How to Add Refrigerant Oil to a Car Compressor?
2 Answers
Open the car hood and locate the high-pressure and low-pressure pipes of the air conditioning system. The larger one is the low-pressure pipe, and the smaller one is the high-pressure pipe. Check if the filling valve is qualified, and avoid using inferior filling valves. Connect the high-pressure and low-pressure pipes of the air conditioning system to the red and blue hoses on the air conditioning pressure gauge device, and connect the yellow hose to the vacuum oil extractor. Turn off the vacuum machine and disconnect the high-pressure pipe. Before use, shake the bottle up and down to ensure the contents are evenly mixed, and add the appropriate amount through the compressor channel as needed.
I'm extremely cautious when it comes to adding refrigerant oil because improper handling can damage the compressor. First, I always confirm the oil type by checking the manual or manufacturer specifications, as different vehicle models require different oils. Then, I thoroughly drain the old oil by disconnecting the compressor lines and carefully collecting it in a clean container to measure the quantity. When adding new oil, precision is crucial—I use a graduated cylinder to ensure the exact amount, erring on the side of underfilling rather than overfilling. After reassembling the lines, I vacuum the system for at least 30 minutes to eliminate any air bubbles. Finally, I recharge the refrigerant and test both the pressure gauges and cooling performance. Throughout the process, I wear gloves to maintain cleanliness, as contaminants can ruin the compressor. It's best to have this done by an experienced shop, since proper tools and technique are critical.
