How Much Oil Is Needed In Your Car A/C System?
To keep your car A/C system in good working condition, the compressor will need to be serviced periodically and the correct lubricant amount will need to be placed inside it. A/C systems work through the process of gas expansion where the temperature rises and the gases are compressed, after which a reverse procedure occurs and expansion takes place. Below is an overview of auto oil and how much of it your air conditioning unit will need.
Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene glycol, which is also known as PAG, is one of the best oils you can buy. This is because it is compatible with R-1234yf and R-134a. The substance also comes in varying viscosities (such as PAG 150 or PAG 100). Adding this oil to the compressor will maximize its efficiency, allowing each individual A/C component to function properly without producing a great deal of noise.
However, adding too much oil within the compressor will actually lower its cooling capacity, and it can also produce an internal coating which decreases the transfer of heat between the system and surrounding atmosphere.
How To Add The Correct Amount
If you’re placing fresh oil into a compressor that is older, then you’ll first need to drain the existing oil. If you’re unaware of the amount of old oil that is being drained, then it will be difficult to determine how much of the new oil should be added. This is why many experts recommend only adding fresh oil to a compressor that is new. However, some compressor kits come pre-filled with lubricant, so adding extra oil will be unnecessary. This is why you want to research the model/brand of compressor you’re buying. In a new compressor that is empty, the best rule of thumb is to mix one 4 ounce container of oil with two containers of R134a refrigerant which are 12 ounces.
How To Correctly Apply The Lubricant
The compressor must be prepped before the lubricant is applied. If the compressor is already oil filled, then it will have to be drained and reinstalled. If the compressor is dry (empty), you will have to perform the pre-lubrication technique using the proper oil amount. The air conditioning system might also need to be flushed. When internal components fail, the compressor will often make unpleasant sounds. This results from the residue which is inside your compressor which combines with the oil and then circulates throughout the A/C unit. This oil is contaminated and as such should be flushed quickly.
Some people think that the particles will be evacuated by themselves, but this is not the case. The process of evacuation will only eliminate the moisture and air, not the particles or oil. It is also essential to use the correct lubricant. If you use the wrong oil, this can cause both the compressor and other A/C components to fail.