RAM 1500 Van V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
Refrigerant Oil: Service and Repair
Refrigerant Oil Level
Refrigerant Oil Capacities
When an air conditioning system is assembled at the factory, all components except the compressor and the combination coil, if the vehicle is so
equipped, are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the compressor and the combination
coil is dispersed throughout the refrigerant system. The combination coil, evaporator, filter-drier, condenser, and compressor will each retain a
significant amount of the needed refrigerant oil.
It is important to have the correct amount of oil in the refrigerant system. This ensures proper lubrication of the compressor. Too little oil will result in
damage to the compressor. Too much oil will reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system.
It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil loss. An oil loss may occur due to a rupture
or leak from a refrigerant line, a connector fitting, a component, or a component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of refrigerant
oil to the refrigerant system after the repair has been made. Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak point by the presence of a wet, shiny surface
around the leak.
Refrigerant oil must be added when a filter-drier, evaporator coil, combination coil, or condenser are replaced. See the Refrigerant Oil Capacities
chart. When a compressor is replaced, the refrigerant oil must be drained from the old compressor and measured. Drain all of the refrigerant oil from
the new compressor, then fill the new compressor with the same amount of refrigerant oil that was drained out of the old compressor.
