What is PAG oil?

PAG oil: Polyalkylene Glycol or PAG oil is a man-made lubricant used in both R134a systems and the latest R1234yf. There are several types of PAG oil based on the viscosity of the oil -- PAG46, PAG100 and PAG150 -- and the type of refrigerant it is designed for.

What is the purpose of PAG oil?

PAG is actually an acronym for Polyalkylene Glycol, and it is a synthetic oil used in A/C systems to lubricate the compressor. Most all newer model cars use PAG as the lubricant in the A/C system.

What can I use instead of PAG oil?

Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil can be used as a replacement for some PAG oils, and is sometimes preferred because it doesn't absorb moisture from the air like other oils do.

Is PAG oil same as mineral oil?

Polyelkylene Glycol (PAG) oil is a synthetic oil used by OEMs in their R-134a systems. PAG oils are harsher than mineral oils, and may cause skin irritation and damage O-rings and seals.

Do you have to put PAG oil in compressor?

Automotive air conditioning compressors require specific types of lubricants. Most 1996 and newer A/C systems use R134a refrigerant and require some type of PAG (polyalkylene glycol) oil for the compressor.

Understanding AC System Lubricants

How do I know if my AC compressor needs oil?

One of the earliest signs that the AC compressor is operating with an insufficient oil amount is the emergence of humming noises from your air-conditioning system. At the same time, you may notice that the compressor has suddenly become hard to start.

Should I add PAG oil after vacuum?

Absolutely not. You don't need to add any oil and there will be some oil in the refrigerant when you charge the system. Pull a good vacuum with a Micron gauge to 500 microns. This will ensure all the moisture is out of the system.

Why should you always use mineral oil instead of PAG oil?

Mineral oil is natural oil and is not hygroscopic, making it different to PAG. In automobile A/C systems, mineral oil is used in those systems that utilise R-12 refrigerant and is also used to lubricate O-rings and seals on both R-12 and R134a systems.

Which PAG oil is universal?

PAG - 100 (Medium Viscosity) developed as a "universal" in PAG systems using R-134A.

What are the 3 types of oils in refrigerant?

Can I use brake fluid as compressor oil?

Most importantly, you don't want to use just any type of hydraulic fluid you happen to have around – brake fluid and power steering fluid may technically be hydraulic fluids, but they're formulated specifically for their respective systems and may damage your compressor pump.

Which oil is best for air compressor?

The Clear Choice for Lubricated Compressors

In general, manufacturers today recommend using either a 20 or 30 weight synthetic lubricant — rather than a mineral oil — to get the best results out of your industrial compressed air system.

Can I use 10W30 in my air compressor?

No. The recommendation by manufacturers of air compressors and the advice of air compressor experts is to use air compressor oils without detergents. Since 10W30 contains detergents, it should not be used. furthermore, the weight and viscosity will not meet the manufactures specifications.

Is refrigerant oil the same as compressor oil?

Compressor oil, also known as refrigerant oil, is vital to the operation of the air conditioning (A/C) system.

How much PAG oil do I put in a compressor?

Lets add oil back to the new compressor in an amount equal to the amount drained from the old compressor. 3 oz. Old Compressor 2 oz. Old Dryer 5 oz needed in new compressor Typically you'll want to change the receiver dryer along with the compressor.

Can you mix PAG oils?

The two oils do not mix completely and cannot create a long-lasting homogenous mixture, which is needed to ensure the correct lubrication of the mechanical parts within the compressor.

Is PAG oil compatible with R134a?

➔ PAG oils are highly miscible with R134a (PAG oils 46 YF and 100 YF also with R1234yf) and are suitable for lubricating the air conditioning systems of most passenger and commercial vehicles. ➔ The choice of the right viscosity is crucial when using PAG oils (PAG 46, PAG 100, PAG 150).

Do I need to add oil after replacing condenser?

When replacing a part like the condenser it is a good idea to add some extra oil with the new refrigerant. Most refrigerants do have some oil in them which should be enough. The majority of the oil in the system stays in the compressor so you should not have any issues if you do not add any more.

Can you mix PAG and mineral oil?

Water-soluble polyglycols are not compatible with mineral oils and therefore must be handled and disposed of separately. They should not be mixed with mineral oils. The result is a gelatinous, gooey mess.

Does PAG oil mix with refrigerant?

Oil and refrigerant vapor do not mix readily, and the oil can be properly circulated through the system only if gas velocities are high enough to sweep the oil along.

What color is AC compressor oil?

Refrigerant or PAG (synthetic compressor) oil is clear, he explains. Over time, it picks up moisture and turns acidic, eating away at the condenser, thermal expansion valve, evaporator, fittings, compressor and other metal components. Gradually, the oil turns yellow and darkens as it picks up particles and sludge.

What happens if you put too much oil in your AC compressor?

If you add too much oil to the system, it may pool in various places of the system and can coat the inner walls of the evaporator and condenser coils. This will diminish their ability to absorb or dissipate heat, thereby bringing down the overall cooling performance.

Does pulling a vacuum remove refrigerant?

There's absolutely no need to use a vacuum pump to remove the refrigerant. It's really easy to remove the refrigerant by condensing it out. If you're a shade tree mechanic, this is what has worked for me to recover and store R134a: Get a refrigerant recovery tank with 1/4" fittings.