AC compressor oil question

[Jimmy9190]

I am replacing the ac compressor and receiver-drier in the Dodge Dakota in my signature. My Dodge service manual says use PAG-20 ac system oil in the compressor and drier. I can only find PAG 100 oil on the parts store web sites. They all say PAG 100 is universal. Is that really true or do I need to get PAG 20 from the Dodge dealer?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Chris142]

Is it pag 20 or sp20? What kind of compressor is it? Theres no such as pag 20 but sp20 is sandens name for pag100.

 

[Jimmy9190]

Sorry..manual calls for sp20. I had it wrong because the parts sites all list pag oil. My compressor is a Sanden unit. Is it best to just use plain pag 100 or the one with the special additives in it? Thanks for your info.

 

[AandPDan]

SP-20 is a Pag 100. If you want the SP, Ebay has it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sanden-R134a-PAG...=item3cdf021c86

 

[Chris142]

Plain pag100 and it goes into the body of the compressor. Remove that bolt on the side,drain through that bolt hole and fill through that hole. eithe r 6.5 oz or 8 depending on the model

 

[Donald]

Don't the compressors normally ship with oil?

Do you have the machine to evacuate the system for 30 minutes check that its holding a proper vacuum, then refill with correct amount of R-134A (by weight)? If not I would have someone do it for you.

I would suggest replacing all O-rings while the system is open.

 

[bullwinkle]

Normally auto A/C compressors ship dry if it's a new or rebuilt unit, but a used one could come with oil in it. If you're using the PAG oil-be sure to replace the receiver dryer & don't leave the system open long, that stuff soaks up moisture like a sponge!

 

[artificialist]

I have dealt with new and rebuilt AC compressors that had oil already in them.

If you ever need to replace an A/C compressor, find the name of the OEM compressor oil, then get a cross reference for an A/C parts company.

 

[Jimmy9190]

The bone yard Sanden OEM compressor I bought had already been drained of all its oil. I removed the fill plug and put in just over 5 ounces of AC Pro PAG 100 with the ICE 32 additive. I put 2 ounces in the drier. Total AC oil capacity for my truck is 7.1 ounces so it should be correct. My AC is very cold now, 42.5 degrees at the center vent when idling and feels even colder than that driving down the road at 1500 RPM. The ICE 32 does seem to work. Compressor is running very smooth and quiet and the AC also does seem to cool a bit faster when the truck is first started after sitting in the sun.

 

[1 FMF]

what did you use for a vacuum pump ?

you said total capacity is 7.1 ounces, that oil is distributed throughout the system. generally when you pull a part you dump the oil out and measure it like for the drier and compressor. then you add that much oil back to the system. your condenser, evaporator, and lines all contain some oil certainly more than 0.1 ounces so you have more oil in the system than 7.1 ounces, but as long as it's working and you're happy that's what matters.

for new/rebuilt compressors unless it tells you it contains the specific type of oil ready for use don't use it. they come with some quantity of oil in them as basic rust protection, you should always drain it then add the correct amount and type of oil.
The ice32 or any lubricant additive is a waste of money, it has no affect on cooling performance. what matters for cooling performance is evacuating the system properly and having the correct charge of refrigerant, too much oil will hurt cooling performance.



http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=416

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista...ce%20manual.pdf

http://www.autoactech.com/issues.htm

http://www.technicalchemical.com/techsupport/lubricantguide4.pdf

http://www.autoacsystems.com/