How much oil is needed in A/C compressor

Ken, I have another question for you. Compressor and orifice are installed just waiting to install the correct size belt. I was wondering on how much oil is needed to be put back in the system, and what type is used. Is it true that the R12 Freon that the system requires has oil in it but probably not enough to lubricate the system/compressor. And where you you buy it, I have oil for a R134 system but not sure if that oil can be used with R12.

Thanks Again
Tom

No freon has oil in it unless already added. The compressor may or may not come with oil. You can buy freon with oil added. The oil circulates with the oil when the A/C is operating. So how much depends on what you have serviced, and how you serviced it, and which compressor you have.

I'm guessing you have the A6 compressor. This was standard for most C3s, but you may have the short R4. This makes a lot of difference. Next, have you replaced various components? Hoses, condenser, etc? And finally did you flush all or part of the system?

All of these make a difference on the amount of oil to add. The A6 compressor has a oil sump and can be checked for proper level. The R4 does not have a sump. Each hose replaced or flushed requires 2 oz of oil. Condensers and evaporators take more. I would have to look it up if needed.

R12 oil is different from R134a oil. R12 uses a minerial based oil. R134a uses a PAG or Ester oil.

Let me know.

Ken Styer

|UPDATED|4/5/2004 6:16:32 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|