How to Add Refrigeration Oil to the Compressor?
2 Answers
The methods for adding refrigeration oil to the compressor are as follows: 1. Use the compressor's own vacuum suction to draw in the oil. 2. Use air pressure to force the lubricating oil in, suitable for small fully enclosed compressors where the intake and exhaust ports are not equipped with intake and exhaust shut-off valves. 3. Use a gear hydraulic pump or a manual hydraulic pump to directly add oil through the three-way valve or drain valve on the crankcase. 4. Utilize the compressor oil pump to add oil through the three-way valve on the oil pipe. The methods for draining refrigeration oil are as follows: 1. Remove the compressor from the unit, leaving the openings of the exhaust pipe, return pipe, and process pipe open. 2. Invert the compressor to allow the refrigeration oil to flow out from the return pipe and process pipe, and measure the amount of oil that flows out using a scale or measuring cup to provide a reference for adding refrigeration oil. 3. To speed up the flow of refrigeration oil, nitrogen can be introduced through the process pipe or return pipe.
I've changed compressor refrigeration oil myself before, and it's quite a meticulous process. First, you need to locate the compressor oil filler port, usually a small bolt cap. The AC system must be vacuumed before opening it, otherwise letting air in would ruin everything. I used a dedicated oil filling tube to slowly squeeze it in, while constantly monitoring the dipstick scale. Overfilling can cause oil spraying, while underfilling leads to insufficient lubrication. The most frustrating part is that different car brands require different oil specifications—I spent half a day checking the manual last time to confirm using PVE oil. The whole process requires wearing gloves, as this oil is particularly hard to wash off your hands. After finishing, you still need to check pipeline sealing and run the AC for a few minutes. Honestly, without experience, it's better not to mess with it—just spend some money at the 4S shop for peace of mind.
