Concerns and Effects of Misapplication and Mixing of Lubricants on the Performance and Durability of an Automotive A/C Compressor

With the concurrent utilization of CFC-12 and HFC-134a A/C systems in the automotive marketplace, and the multitude of different lubricants associated with HFC-134a, the automotive service industry faces a significant challenge in orchestrating and maintaining the correct association among the available chemicals. Until recently it was speculated that catastrophic compressor degradation would result from improper application and/or mixing of available chemicals.

The once feared total intolerance of misapplication of specific lubricants to certain compressors and refrigerants has been relaxed with the realization that the mixing of some oils, within reasonable limits, will not significantly affect a compressor's durability. Although overall compressor life may be somewhat reduced, the reduction in life expectancy is less than originally anticipated and overall performance proves to be more than adequate considering the deviation from the recommended association of refrigerant/lubricant/compressor utilization.