Replaced A/C Condenser but no oil in condenser or compressor to lubricate new O rings

Tiny
SKACZYNSKI11
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 186,500 MILES
I had a nearby auto shop evacuate my A/C system with the agreement of testing the vacuum and recharging it after I replaced the condenser as my condenser had a lot of missing fins in it, but no holes. It was missing at least five entire lines and another 5-10 half-lines of fins. I noticed, however, that when I was replacing the condenser there was no oil in the old condenser to lubricate the new O rings. I also had to disconnect the discharge line from the compressor to the condenser on the compressor side as the nut on the condenser side had stripped and would turn but would not move in either direction. I also left the suction line unplugged as the shop had left it unplugged so the pressure didn't build up, as the temperature of the area has been swinging into the 90's during the day. When I replaced the O ring on the compressor, I put my finger down into the compressor for some oil to lubricate the O ring but found just dust. I found the same when lubricating the condenser O rings, where the old condenser had no oil to lubricate the O rings.

When the shop is recharging the system, should I ask them to lubricate the new O rings? Or should I buy some oil myself, and do it?

Also why was there no oil in either the compressor or condenser?
Saturday, June 25th, 2022 AT 6:10 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely the oil that you could feel had been pulled out when they evacuated the system. This does not pull out all the oil, but it does pull out a fair amount.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

So, what I would do is just use a very light coat of petroleum jelly to just allow the seals to slide into place and not tear. You can obviously use PAG oil as well but that is more expensive and not the only thing you can use.

Also, when they go to recharge the system, make sure they pull it into a vacuum again.

If you have had the system open to do a repair, then it will pull in moisture, and they need to get rid of that prior to filling it or you will have poor performance.

Please let us know if you have other questions on this but it sounds like you are good to go.
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Monday, June 27th, 2022 AT 6:58 AM

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