I am definitely not a refrigeration expert. I have listened to air conditioning specialists over the years. There is oil in the air conditioning system. I believe the oil becomes suspended in the freon as it travels through the system. A problem arises when the system develops a leak. As the freon escapes, the oil goes right along with it. Repairing the leak and replacing the freon without paying attention to the oil can result in the compressor seizing or (in the case of our old Imperials) throwing a rod.
The best professionals evacuate the system, and then re-charge it with the proper amount of everything, including the oil.
Some compressors are piston type and others are rotary style. They both need lubrication just like any other "motor". Contrary to what was said, one can buy "Refrigerate Oil" separately. These days I believe that the product is called "Ester" and may be specifically for systems charged with 134A.
Paul
In a message dated 10/14/2004 11:31:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Mark McDonald <tomswift@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
Dear Bradley,
There is a thin oil that is added to the compressor to lubricate the internal moving parts. ?There is no "dipstick" per se. ?I believe the oil is added when the compressor is first made, and some folks never add any more, going on the theory that only a small amount is required and it doesn't really get "burned up" or used like motor oil. ?But I think more can be added if necessary when the freon is changed.
However, the oil has nothing to do with how cold your AC gets, as I understand it. ?It is just there to protect the compressor from wear. I could be wrong.
Mark M
On Thursday, October 14, 2004, at 09:20 PM, Bradley R. Teets, CPA/PFS, CFP ((home office)) wrote:
I don’t want to sound stupid in asking this question but I am not
mechanically talented.? I have read articles on the list server about
“checking” the “oil” in the air conditioning compressor to keep it
from locking up.? I have a 1968 car if that is important in your
answer.? The A/C blows cold although I would like it to be colder.? Is
there some kind of oil that is required in addition to the
refrigerant?? I know refrigerant is installed under pressure.? Is
there separate “oil” that is added through a dip stick tube like a
car’s motor would have?? Does it matter based on the kind of
refrigerant I have?? I don’t want to damage my car but I asked a local
car club member about it and he said there is no such thing for my car
as separate “oil”.? Thanks for any comments you might have to clarify
my ignorance.? Ignorance is not bliss!!!!
?
Sincerely,
Bradley R. Teets, CPA/PFS, CFP®
?
Bradley Teets is a registered representative of and offers securities through Kovack Securities, Inc.
Member NASD / SIPC? Phone:? 954-782-4771
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