IROC-ZeeUK

Hi all,

I am in the process of recommissioning the A/C in my Camaro with the help of a guy at work. The compressor appears to pump ok by holding my fingers over the ports but the clutch is quite stiff and the comp requires oil. The system has been retrofitted at some point to run R134a instead of R12. The question is can I use a universal PAG oil or do I need something different such as mineral oil?

Next question, my car has a Harrison GM 1131634 compressor. Any ideas where I can get a shaft seal or some form of repair kit in the event it leaks oil?

Thanks

Lucid

iTrader: (4)

IMO, run the universal ester oil, which I believe is ISO 100 (double check on that one). I have used both oils, the PAG when doing a full conversion and Ester when doing a retrofit and the Ester oil seems to be a lot more tolerant of retrofits.

Just remember the Ester oil doesn't like moisture, so if you are manually adding the oil to the compressor don't leave the cap off.

Also, make sure you pull a vacuum on the system when you get it closed up to boil off all the moisture in the system.

Most people recommend adding liquid oil directly to the compressor and then adding the oil in the system via the canned oil method as well. You can usually hear the compressor get quieter when you add the oil and compressor is getting oiled enough.

ResurrectingZ

I used PAG150, just got mine up and running as of yesterday (haven't had AC for about 5 years). I did the full conversion, just be sure if you are using PAG instead of ester to be sure to flush all the AC components (except compressor) of as much mineral oil as possible. I put 4oz of oil in the compressor and the rest on the inlet side of the accumulator in an 8oz system.

IROC-ZeeUK

Thanks for the replies guys.

Sorry to be dumb, when you say universal ester oil do you mean the universal PAG oil I was talking about or should I get ester oil?

Lucid

iTrader: (4)

PAG Oil and Ester Oil are different.

The problem with PAG oil is that if there is any mineral oil (R-12) left in the system it will ruin your PAG oil and you run the chance of running the compressor without lubrication. PAG oils have to be registered as toxic in certain states.

I think Ester is better for conversions since it does not break down like the PAG and in the two systems I have, the Ester oil keeps the compressor really quiet. Just do not let it get exposed to moisture, its very hydroscopic. I would pull a vacuum on the system and make sure there is no moisture in it.

Everyone has their own personal favorite, and can give good reasons for one or the other.

black89ws6

Ester is better, regardless. Doesn't matter if it's retrofit or not. Do everything you can to minimize the oils exposure to atmospheric moisture (this goes equally well for PAG, should you choose to use it. PAG also absorbs moisture from the air, with the added bonus of forming acids when combined with moisture).

The ac in my tahoe (OE r134a, with PAG oil) was marginal, at best, for a few years, until the compressor grenaded. Since I had to flush it anyway (grenaded compressor), I went with ester oil. Fantastic improvement. Better cooling, quiet compressor, for 4+ years now.