How do I add oil to my A/C compressor?

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BMW 320I
  • 2.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 126,000 MILES
I've had a refill of the gas in my a/c compressor. The garage used R12a which came with added dye only. I purchased some PAG 46 oil from SuperCool. How do I add it to the compressor?
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 AT 4:12 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Is the oil in a can with refrigerant? In other words, is the oil under pressure or in a normal bottle? You will need to vacuum down the system and refill it using the oil charge can first, or you will need to open the system once discharged and pour it in one of the hoses/tubes. Can you upload an image of the oil so I can see?
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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Hi Ken,
Here is an image of the bottle I have. Its a plastic bottle containing 8oz of the oil and dye. There is no refrigerant.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, this is a "pour in" style of PAG oil. The system will need to be vacuumed down, opened and then add the amount of oil needed. Can I ask why you think it needs oil? Go over this video to help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER SA
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Hi Ken,

Thanks for the video. I have watched it.

I have not had the A/C system work in the car since 2015 when I purchased it! So, I have been used to running the car, even in hot weather, with the windows open.

When I had the A/C recharged, when using the A/C I could sometimes feel that the engine was sluggish when moving off from a stop plus my fuel consumption went way up.

I thought that maybe the A/C needed some oil as it had been not working for so long (lack of freon). But I suppose that the serpentine belt would have broken if there was any lack of lubrication in the A/C pump.
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Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If the system is not leaking, you should be okay. The fuel consumption must be another problem, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 10:21 AM

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