Re: IML: Air conditioning compressor "oil"

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

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. ÂThere is no "dipstick" per se. ÂI 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. ÂBut 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. ÂIt 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 donât want to sound stupid in asking this question but I am not
>> mechanically talented. I have read articles on the list server about
>> âcheckingâ the âoilâ 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 âoilâ that is added through a dip stick tube like a
>> carâs motor would have? Does it matter based on the kind of
>> refrigerant I have? I donât 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 âoilâ. Thanks for any comments you might have to clarify
>> my ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss!!!!
>>
>> Â
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Bradley R. Teets, CPA/PFS, CFPÂ
>>
>> Â
>>
>> Bradley Teets is a registered representative of and offers securities
>> through Kovack Securities, Inc.
>>
>> Member NASD / SIPCÂ Phone:Â 954-782-4771
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