A/C Compressor Oil

[MyPrevost]

I know I might be boring you with this A/C discussion, but I hope it’s helpful and saves someone some money and frustration.

I’m gearing up for a compressor change, and the oil becomes a key concern if you’re still using R-12. The new CCI/York compressors (mine was made in June 2008) come pre-filled with PAG oil. Older models and possibly other brands might use Ester oil. CCI/York recommends that when using R-12, you must switch to Refrigeration Mineral Oil. I found some at NAPA for just $4.

I was surprised to learn that these compressors have an oil sump that holds 14 ounces and even comes with plugs for checking the oil level. There’s also a dipstick available to make checking the oil easier. Some sources even suggest changing the oil at regular intervals as part of maintenance.

As for the compressor on my workbench, it has a plug for oil access, and I’ve replaced the PAG oil with Mineral Oil. The data plate shows the manufacturing date, model, part number, and oil type.

I’m sure Jon has already taken care of his oil change and probably made his own dipstick!

And Jimmy C, please don’t give me a hard time about the camera date—I keep trying to adjust it, but it seems to have a mind of its own, and I blame the King for that!

Tom Chilcote

[MyPrevost]

Truk,

I hope you figure out the compressor bit with the 91, where to get one at a good price, how to easily change from R-12 etc. I have a compressor I’ve taken the belt off of months or years ago that needs replacingwhen the time comes that you have ironed out all of the rough stuff.

[MyPrevost]

Hey sheepherder, I happen to be one of many Liberty owners that doesn’t fuss with stuff like that because I happen to have one of the real Liberty coaches with OTR.

How can you have a dipstick to check oil in a system that is supposed to be sealed. Draw pictures and talk slow. I can’t get that one through my head.

[MyPrevost]

Hey sheepherder, I happen to be one of many Liberty owners that doesn’t fuss with stuff like that because I happen to have one of the real Liberty coaches with OTR.

How can you have a dipstick to check oil in a system that is supposed to be sealed. Draw pictures and talk slow. I can’t get that one through my head.

[MyPrevost]

Hey Dog Boy, I like the bay storage and don’t need no stinking OTR.

They refer to the bottom of the compressor as the crankcase and obviously it’s a closed system separate from the top. Here is the manufacturers instructions in case you think I made all this up:

OIL CHARGE
If the quantity of oil is unknown, the compressor oil level
must be checked at the time of installation and again
after the system has been fully charged with refrigerant
and the system has been operated and balanced out to
the desired compartment interior temperature.

Now, be a nice Pogger and offer to lend out your dipstick (the one for oil, not the one that needs tweezers).

[MyPrevost]

OK, I know you understand mechanical things. That looks like a piston type compressor. How can the freon not leak past the piston or piston rings? Once it does that freon is in the crankcase and then leaking out whenever the dipstick is pulled.

Talk slower. I didn’t get it the last time.

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