Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

HereGoesNuthin! on Fri August 12, 2011 4:30 PM

Year: 2003
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Lancer
Engine Size: 2.0L
Refrigerant Type: R134a
Country of Origin: United States

So my 2003 Mitsubishi lancer Oz Rally's A/C compressor and its clutch recently went out in a blaze of glory complete with smoke and a shredded burnt toasty P/S and A/C drive belt.

I have ordered and received a replacement compressor and I'm planning on doing as much as possible myself. I'm also replacing the receiver/drier and expansion valve after flushing the system. I'm relatively new to A/C and the forums so I've already encountered a Noobie question.

On my replacement compressor's label and docoumentation it says to use PAG 100 oil. I have the factory service manuals for my car and they say to use "SUN PAG 56" oil. I've done a little research and it seems like one is a higher viscosity, but still medium viscosity, oil than the other?

I can't even find PAG readily available locally. I'm sure if I even can it has to ordered. Since PAG 100 is readily available on the shelf at the major autoparts stores here can I just use that?

The replacement compressor I bought, specifically for this vehicle calls for a higher viscosity oil than used stock. Is there any real danger in using it even though the FSM says "SUN PAG 56"? I don't THINK there is any worry about 100 being too heavy or gumming up the other components but I just wanted to ask the experts!

Thanks so much for any help. I'm sure I'm going to be back with other questions.

Edited: Fri August 12, 2011 at 5:38 PM by HereGoesNuthin!

Airstream on Fri August 12, 2011 5:24 PM

Many times, oil viscosities are suggested based on the operating environment.

In what country, state, or province do you reside?

Tom

HereGoesNuthin! on Fri August 12, 2011 5:36 PM

I'm in the midwest US.. pretty much right on the Michigan/Ohio state line.

I'm not sure if I'm splitting hairs here or if there is a drastic difference between using one o the two viscosities. Of course I'm inclined to follow what the factory service manual says for my car, but then again it's not an OEM compressor.

There's also the issue of the compressor's warranty but since the warranty terms basically say the flush and recharge must be done by a certified tech I'm guessing I'm SOL if the need to file a warranty claim ever arises anyway.




Edited: Fri August 12, 2011 at 5:40 PM by HereGoesNuthin!

Airstream on Fri August 12, 2011 5:57 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: HereGoesNuthin!
I'm in the midwest US.. pretty much right on the Michigan/Ohio state line. ...
Yes - I just Googled your location. Nice house! Why did you choose that color for your Lancer?

Just kidding.

My preference is heavier oils for anything. Since you're potentially SOL on warranty, my recommendation is for you to follow the replacement compressor's guidelines (they may have insight as to why your original equipment quit).

Tom

HereGoesNuthin! on Fri August 12, 2011 6:31 PM

lol well actually I've seen the Google satellite and county taxs website images of my house so you aren't too far off. They are easily accessible and indeed show the vehicles in the driveway!!

I've had my car since late 2002 and it has over 116,000 miles on the original a/c compressor so I'm not complaining. I guess maybe I should just go with the recommendation on the replacement compressor but I wasn't sure if this would cause issues in the evaporator, condenser, expansion valve etc.

Thanks for the input!

Airstream on Sun August 14, 2011 5:04 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: HereGoesNuthin!
...but I wasn't sure if this would cause issues in the evaporator, condenser, expansion valve etc.
Check my track record - I JUST completed my first successful MVAC repair, so I am not an authority here.

Viscosities, from my experience with everything non-MVAC related, are usually established for the benefit of moving parts. Your evaporator & condenser have no moving parts. the expansion valve almost does not count. The compressor's health/well-being is the concern here.

I bumped this thread in hopes that someone knowledgeable like TRB or bohica might see it & share an insight. I'm learning too.

Tom

TRB on Sun August 14, 2011 5:09 PM

You all need to take into account there are different compressor manufactures these days. OEM oil suggestions is for an OEM compressor. An aftermarket manufacture could use a different ISO. Best to contact your supplier for the proper oil. They should have access to what ISO for the band they are supplying.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Airstream on Sun August 14, 2011 5:14 PM

Pardon my ignorance TRB, but what is ISO?

Tom

TRB on Sun August 14, 2011 6:25 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: Airstream
Pardon my ignorance TRB, but what is ISO?



Tom

ISO oils are oils that are extracted, compounded or synthesized according to the published specifications of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO).



-------------------------
When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

Airstream on Sun August 14, 2011 8:04 PM

Interesting - that was the definition with which I was familiar.

ISO does not give viscosity recommendations. ISO is all about, and nothing more, than a set of rules mandating a given organization following rules for a given process which they have voluntarily established.

I recommend this man follow the aftermarket compressor manufacturer's recommendation regarding oil viscosity. It would be nice to read what a seasoned professional in MVAC thinks for his application.

Tom

DaveMcKenz on Sun August 14, 2011 8:12 PM

The only purpose of the oil is to lubricate the compressor. If the compressor guys want X why would you use Y?

NickD on Mon August 15, 2011 5:40 AM

Wonder what viscosity the 2012 Mitsubishi recommends, certainly has been a trend to use all lower viscosity fluids. That is so auto manufactures can claim 0.01 mpg improvements in CAFE ratings.

Really the key parameter is at what temperature the lubricant breaks down at. Perhaps a lower viscosity oil would be better, since practically all vehicles are switching on the compressor in the defrost mode when its only 33*F outside.

Airstream on Wed August 17, 2011 7:07 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: DaveMcKenz
The only purpose of the oil is to lubricate the compressor. If the compressor guys want X why would you use Y?

That's my sentiment.

Anyone else care to comment?

Tom

TRB on Thu August 18, 2011 1:15 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: Airstream
Quote
Originally posted by: DaveMcKenz
The only purpose of the oil is to lubricate the compressor. If the compressor guys want X why would you use Y?



That's my sentiment.



Anyone else care to comment?



Tom

I've already stated what I believe. If the compressor manufacture claims to use X in their compressor. Why use Y.



-------------------------
When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com