A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

[Andrew S.]

I was wondering if someone could tell me what type of oil is used on the long style (for my 68) air conditioning compressors and where I might be able to obtain such lubricant. Seems that while I was replacing the evaporator my inquisitive son decided to give the removed compressor a few spins which forced some of the oil out of the back of the compressor. Thanks
Andy

[Joe L.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Andy-----

You can get this oil in many auto parts stores. Or, you can purchase it from a GM dealer under GM #5416939. It GM lists for about 12 bucks per quart and, from GM, it's only sold in quart size.

[Andrew S.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Thanks for help Joe I am calling the local Chevy parts store tomorrow. One other thing is, how do I determine when the unit is "full"?

[Mike M.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Andy: where do you reside? i bought a quart years ago and if you stop by, i'll give you a couple ounces.I'm in western md. mike

[Andrew S.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Mike, I really appreciate the offer. Unfortunatley I am down south in Texas (where we need A/C even in the winter!). Actaully I have a brother in MD on business this week. I will contact him and let you know if he can look you up.
Otherwise I am headed to the General.
Thanks again for the offer

[Joe L.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Andy------

Unfortunately, it's nowhere near as easy as checking your engine oil. You will find the procedure in Section 1A of your Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual.

[Andrew S.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Mike,
I was wrong my brother is actually in Philly, so close but no cigar. Guess I'll have some extra on my garage shelf also. soon.
Thanks anyway

[Dick W.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Andy, are you planning to recharge the system with R-12 or are you going to change over to R-134? It makes a difference in the type of oil that you would use.

[Jack H.]

Plus....

you have to purge the WHOLE system, not just the refigerant grade mineral oil in the compressor. There's oil distributed throughout the A/C system (receiver/dryer, condensor, evaporator) from the flow of refigerant....

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

Andy:
You can buy this oil (for either R-12 or R134) in cans that use the same manifold/guage set as the refrigerant. You add it in the same way as refrigerant. If I remember correctly it only cost a few dollars for a can. I also am pretty sure that if you evacuated the system of refrigerant, you also removed most of the oil since the oil mixes with the refrigerant so my guess would be that you need to add a full charge of oil. If this is incorrect someone please correct me.
Jeff

[Dick W.]

Re: A/C Compressor Oil/Lubricant

You will find oil in the condensor, evaporator, drier/dehydrator, lines, compressor, and valves. The idea is to remove as much old oil as possible to prevent contamination. A new condensor will add to the a/c capacity on most older cars. Trash has a tendency to accumulate in the bottom tubes.