Refrigerant Oil Level Check: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Intrepid, 2004 Chrysler Intrepid, 2004 Chrysler Concorde, and 2004 Chrysler 300M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When an air conditioning system is first assembled, all components (except the compressor) are refrigerant oil free. After the system has been charged with (R.-134a) refrigerant and operated, the oil in the compressor is dispersed through the lines and components. The evaporator, condenser, and receiver/drier will retain a significant amount of oil. Refer to the A/C COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES . When a component is replaced, the specified amount of refrigerant oil must be added. When the compressor is replaced, the amount of oil that is retained in the rest of the system must be drained from the replacement compressor. The oil capacity of the system, minus the amount of oil still in the remaining components (Refer to the A/C COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES ) can be measured and poured into the suction port of the compressor. When a line or component has ruptured and oil has escaped, the receiver/drier must be replaced along with the ruptured part.

Example: On an A/C system the evaporator retains 60 ml. (2 oz.). The condenser retains 30 ml. (1 oz.) of oil, and system capacity may be 150 ml. (5.00 oz.) of oil.

150 ml. minus 90 ml. equals 60 ml. (2.00 oz.).