A/C oil for A/C parts

Tiny
KTHEBUM
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD ESCAPE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I am replacing most of the major A/C parts in my car (compressor, condenser, receiver/dryer), and I know I need to put PAG 46 AC oil into all of those parts when replacing, but can't find any guidance on how much oil to put into each. I believe the whole system is supposed to have 7 oz (but haven't been able to confirm for the 2010 model specifically). And I know generally you just see how much oil is in the old part you're replacing and put that much in the new one, but on the compressor, I don't know how much oil was in the old one because a mechanic replaced it months ago (compressor was making the serpentine belt smoke, but I didn't want to replace the whole AC system at the time, so he just put a new compressor on without hooking into electrical so the belt would work). Do you have any guidance on how much oil should generally be put into each of these parts?
Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 5:46 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
First of all, good job knowing that you need to account for the oil that is in each component. Most people forget that or don't know it and just add some for the compressor or go the other way and add a complete system fill when they only replace the compressor and end up with too much oil.

Here is the process and a chart that lists each component and how much oil to add for it if you replaced it.

Let us know if you have questions. Thanks

Not sure what happened, but the last attachment is the first page. The other three are in order.
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
KTHEBUM
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Thank you! This is very helpful.
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
KTHEBUM
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Follow-up question (and I think I already know the answer): which is more important in determining the type of PAG oil to use - the compressor brand/type, or the vehicle model? I assume it's the specific compressor. I ask because I just realized the re-manufactured compressor I bought came with PAG 150 oil in it originally, and I believe Ford says use PAG 46 for the vehicle listed above.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 7:15 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Yes. You are correct. If you are using the Motorcraft part then stick with what they say for the vehicle. However, if you are changing brands, go with what they call for.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 9:44 AM

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