HOW TO ADD OIL TO A SYSTEM UNDER VACCUM

Read these instructions completely before charging oil . You may need some information. Keep these instructions handy at all times during oil charging.

ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES. Wash excess oil from your hands and the vehicle's surface. Oil left in hot parts will cause smoke. This is not a cause of concern. Smoke will disappear in a few minutes, but don't breathe the vapors.

VERY IMPORTANT: To make sure you have to exact oil charge, means having to disassemble and flushing the entire system. Some compressors have an oil sump, while most don't. Exact oil amount requires flushing and draining certain components. This procedure is meant to add oil in amounts not considered harmful to the system, or up to not more than 4 ounces. The amount of oil added depends on how long the system has been closed or the extent of the damage or repair. This procedure is not meant to add the complete specified charge. Since each system has its own oil charge specifications, a new charge is added in the following manner: 75% of the specified oil charge in the compressor and 25% in the accumulator. Bear in mind that dual systems need 10% more oil that added in the same fashion. Remember: oil is suspended in the refrigerant.

Oil can be added to a system while under vaccum once both gauges are closed and vaccum pump is off. This is done by following these steps. Based on the principle that 2-3 ounces are always welcome, this procedure is intended to guide you to just replenishing oil. A full charge is not to be added following this procedure. Full oil charges are added directly in compressors, condensers, and driers. (split charge).

1. Oil is added before refrigerant

2. Have the amount of specified oil handy. If you don't know what type of oil your system requires. Never mix mineral (R12) and PAG (R134a) oils!. Don't mix PAG viscosities either.

R12-based systems use mineral oil. R134a-based systems use synthetic PAG oil. There are 3 basic viscosities for R134a: low (46), medium(100), and high (150). In R12 systems, viscosities can be mixed, but using the correct type is desirable. Each compressor or system brand has its specified viscosity. Request information here if you are not sure. The use of POE (ester) oil may void a new compressor's warranty.

3) In an open container, pour 3 ounces of the specified oil. PAG oil is highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) meaning that it cannot be exposed to the air but for a few seconds. The best method is using a glass or plastic bottle. The container must be perfectly clean and free of debris and moisture.

4) Clean the gauges common hose (yellow) and immerse it in the bottle that has the oil.

5) Open the blue valve (low side). Oil will then be suctioned through the yellow hose and dispensed through the blue hose into the system. Take precautions so when the oil in the bottle begins to run out, no air is sucked it. Therefore, adding an extra half ounce is a good measure. The oil is now inside the system.

6) Remove the yellow hose from the bottle and let it drip for a couple of minutes.

7) Follow refrigerant charge procedure as described here, but now you have to "push" the oil remaining in the blue hose and whatever is left in the yellow hose that didn't get into the system. This is accomplished by releasing a shot of liquid refrigerant (can upside down). If oil is added to a system before the refrigerant, pre charge is done through the low side only in gaseous form. Do not purge the hose because there is oil inside of it and will spill out. After the second can, purge the hose as recommended and continue the charge.

If something is not clear, don't hesitate to contact us.