A/c Compressor Refrigerant Oil Checking GMC Suburban I

REFRIGERANT OILS

Note. For compressor application and specifications, see COMPRESSOR APPLICATIONS & BODY DESIGNATIONS tables and the REFRIGERANT OIL SPECIFICATIONS tables in the A/C COMPRESSOR SERVICING article in the GENERAL SERVICING section. DO NOT exceed A/C system refrigerant oil capacity when servicing system.

Note. Use ONLY the specified oil for the appropriate system or A/C compressor. Always check the underhood A/C specification label or A/C compressor label before adding refrigerant oil to A/C compressor/system.

Use only new, pure, moisture-free refrigerant oil in A/C systems. This oil is highly refined with a very low moisture content. Oil container must be tightly closed when not in use, or moisture from air will be absorbed into refrigerant oil.

Refrigerant R-12 based systems use mineral oil, while R-134a systems use synthetic/Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. Using a mineral oil based lubricant with R-134a systems will result in A/C compressor failure due to lack of proper lubrication.

Different compressors have different lubrication requirements and use different specified Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) refrigerant oils. Use only specified PAG refrigerant oil for the appropriate system and A/C compressor. Always check the underhood A/C specification label or A/C compressor label before adding refrigerant oil to A/C compressor/system. The following types of R-134a refrigerant oil are currently available.

GM

On all models except Saturn, use PAG Refrigerant Oil (Part No. 12345923). On Saturn, use Saturn PAG Refrigerant Oil.

Note. Synthetic/PAG oil absorbs moisture very rapidly, 2.3-5.6 percent by weight as compared to a mineral oil absorption rate of .005 percent by weight.

DISCHARGING SYSTEM

If compressor has stem-type service valves, it can be isolated and removed without discharging entire system. Otherwise, discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment before loosening any fittings.

DISCONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS

After system is discharged, carefully clean area around all fittings to be opened. Always use 2 wrenches when loosening or tightening fittings. Some refrigerant lines are connected with a spring-lock coupling. Special tools may be required to disconnect lines. Cap all openings as soon as lines are removed. DO NOT remove caps until ready to connect lines and fittings.

Note. All R-134a based systems use 1/2-16 ACME threaded fittings. Ensure all replacement parts match the connections of the system being worked on.

CONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS

Always use new gasket or "O" ring when connecting lines or fittings. Coat "O" ring with specified refrigerant oil, and ensure it is not twisted during installation. To prevent damage to lines and fittings, always use 2 wrenches. Keep refrigerant oil off fitting threads. Long term contact of oil on threads may cause future damage to threads.

PLACING SYSTEM IN OPERATION

After component service or replacement has been completed, evacuate system thoroughly with a vacuum pump. Charge system with proper amount of refrigerant. See the REFRIGERANT OIL SPECIFICATIONS tables in the A/C COMPRESSOR SERVICING article. Perform leak test. After system has been leak tested, check system operation.

Note. A/C systems normally will not need additional refrigerant oil unless oil loss has occurred due to ruptured lines, leaking compressor seals, compressor overhaul or component replacement.

HARRISON HD6/HR6-HE 6-CYLINDER, HR100T & HR110-MD 4-CYLINDER, & V5 5-CYLINDER

1. Operate system for several minutes to stabilize system, if possible. Turn engine off. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove compressor. Drain refrigerant oil through compressor drain plug and measure oil.
2. If no oil leaks exist and more than one ounce is drained, add drained amount using new oil. If less than one ounce is drained, add 2 ounces of new oil.
3. If replacing A/C components, add specified amount of refrigerant oil to system. See HD6/HR6-HE, HR100T, HR110-MD & V5 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES table. Install drain plug and compressor. Evacuate and recharge system. Perform leak test.

Note. Approximately 3 ounces of refrigerant oil, suspended in refrigerant, will be lost due to a large, abrupt leak. When replacing faulty component, add required amount of oil for component plus 3 ounces of oil to component. If oil cannot be easily added to component, add to accumulator/receiver-drier.

HD6/HR6-HE, HR100T, HR110-MD & V5 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

NIPPONDENSO 10PA17 & 10PA20 10-CYLINDER

1. Operate system for several minutes to stabilize system, if possible. Turn engine off. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove compressor. Drain refrigerant oil, measure amount of oil removed and discard old oil. Add amount of oil drained from compressor plus one ounce of new refrigerant oil.
2. If replacing A/C components, add specified amount of refrigerant oil to component. See 10PA20 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES table for component capacities. If oil cannot easily be added to component, add oil to accumulator. Evacuate and recharge system. Perform leak test.

Note. Approximately 3 ounces of refrigerant oil, suspended in refrigerant, will be lost due to a large, abrupt leak. When replacing faulty component, add required amount of oil for component plus 3 ounces of oil to component. If oil cannot be easily added to component, add to accumulator.

10PA17 & 10PA20 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

SANDEN SD-7H15 7-CYLINDER

1. It is not necessary to check oil level in compressor or to add oil unless there has been an oil loss. Discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove compressor. Drain refrigerant oil, measure amount of oil removed and discard old oil.
2. If no oil leaks exist and more than one ounce is drained from compressor, add drained amount using new refrigerant oil specified for compressor. If less than one ounce is drained, add 2 ounces of new refrigerant oil specified for compressor.
3. If replacing A/C components, add specified amount of refrigerant oil to component. See SD-7H15 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES table for component capacities. If oil cannot easily be added to component, add oil to accumulator. Evacuate and recharge system. Perform leak test.

SD-7H15 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

ZEXEL ROTARY VANE

1. Slowly discharge A/C system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove old A/C compressor. Install compressor oil drain Adapters (SA9149AC-5 and SA9149AC-6) to service ports. Drain compressor oil. Measure amount drained, and discard oil.
2. Ensure amount of refrigerant oil in replacement compressor is the same as amount removed from old compressor (total system capacity minus amount retained in components that have not been replaced). See ZEXEL COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES table. See the REFRIGERANT OIL SPECIFICATIONS tables in the «A/C COMPRESSOR SERVICING»(/gmc/suburban/i-1992-1999/remont/general-servicing-all-makes/#ac-compressor-servicing) article for total system capacity. Install compressor. Evacuate and recharge A/C system. Perform leak test.

ZEXEL COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

See also:
• A/C COMPRESSOR SERVICING