Checking Oil Level

WARNING: System must be drained of refrigerant before oil filler plug is removed, otherwise refrigerant and oil will spray from hole (with risk of frostbite injury).


WARNING: Before commencing work read and observe Safety Precautions when working on A/C systems. Technician Safety Information

Also read General Information on repair and replacement of A/C system components. General Information On Repair

Caution: Oil quantity must be checked if compressor is new or repaired.

Check oil level as part of repair/installation of compressor or before system is filled with refrigerant. Level may be checked with compressor removed or installed.




1. Disconnect battery ground lead.

2. Drain system of refrigerant.
Undo clutch supply lead clip, open connector and fold lead to one side.




3. Measure compressor mounting angle.
Use angle gauge 999 6212. Place gauge on front mounting lug of compressor. Move compressor pressure hose aside if necessary.

Read and record value.




4. Remove oil filler plug.
Turn belt pulley while observing compressor internals through filler hole. Stop turning when internals are moving towards pulley and are positioned as shown in illustration.




5. Measure oil quantity with dipstick.
Insert dipstick in oil filler hole. Note position of "stop".
"Stop" should be level with edge of filler hole. Remove dipstick and note oil level.

A = Parallel




6. Check that oil level is correct.
Correct oil level may be determined from adjoining table using compressor mounting angle and dipstick reading.

Example: A Sankyo SD 510 compressor is installed at an angle of 10 degrees and the number of dipstick graduations is 3. According to the table, the correct level is 4-5 graduations. Top up level with compressor oil until level reaches 4-5 graduations.

7. Install oil filler plug.
Check that O-ring is undamaged.
Tighten to 10 Nm (7 ft lb).




8. Install/reconnect:
clutch supply lead clip
connector.

9. Fill system with refrigerant.