Compressor HVAC: Service and Repair

Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Balancing

Draining Procedure





Note: Drain and measure as much of the refrigerant oil as possible from the removed compressor.

1. Remove the oil drain bolt from the removed compressor.




2. Drain the oil from the compressor oil drain into a clean graduated cylinder.
3. Drain the oil from the suction and discharge ports into the clean graduated cylinder. Rotate the compressor shaft to assist in draining the compressor.
4. Measure and record the amount of oil drained from the removed compressor. This measurement will be used during installation of the replacement compressor.
5. Inspect oil drained from removed compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis (Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis)
6. Properly discard the used refrigerant oil.

Balancing Procedure

Note: The refrigerant oil in the A/C system must be balanced during compressor replacement.

Before installing the replacement compressor, the refrigerant oil will have to be fully drained.




1. Remove the oil drain bolt from the replacement A/C compressor.




2. Drain the oil from the compressor oil drain into a clean graduated cylinder.
3. Drain the oil from the suction and discharge ports into the clean graduated cylinder. Rotate the compressor shaft to assist in draining the compressor.
4. Add back the same quantity of new PAG oil into the replacement compressor as drained from the removed compressor through the compressor oil drain.
Refer to the amount of refrigerant oil recorded during the compressor removal.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

5. Install the compressor oil drain bolt and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).