Adding oil to a York Compressor
 

I think I need to add some oil to my york compressor because it has a slight knocking sound when the clutch is engaged. It it possible to add oil through the suction side of the compressor, or do I have to add it another way. Since this is a york style compressor I didn't know if I could use a oil charge can from autozone or not. Please help, I don't want to run the AC until i get some more oil in it so I don't damage it. Its getting hot in Florida. Thanks

The york compressors need about 1" of oil in the bottom section of the compressor.

To measure that amount the system needs to be discharged.
Remove the bolt on the side & use a metal rod bent so that it will touch the bottom.

Thanks for your responce. So, I can't just go out there and check the oil level with it installed in the car? I have no clue of what kind of oil is in it now, what should I put in it. I know your can't mix esther and PAG, but does it really matter since it doesn't go in freon?

Oil type is dependant on the type of refrigerant used.

IF you are still using R12, then you need normal mineral oil.
If you use R134a then Pag ISO 150 is the best oil. Using a double end capped PAG oil is the best oil for R134a.

Even wth the York, the compressor crankcase is still under pressure and it's oil is exposed to the freon.
Some older Yorks had manually operated valves at the charging ports that could isolate the compressor from the rest of the system and save the freon, but if you have shrader valves (Like tire valves) at the charging ports, you'll need to get the system evacuated before checking/adding oil.

Happy Motoring, Mark

If you have R12 you can buy a 2oz "oil charge" can and feed it through the suction hose just like a R12 charge. In fact it has 2oz of R12 and 2oz of oil. You can always give that a try and see if it helps your noises but I would suspect you might be looking at a new one soon.

As others have said, in order to properly check the oil level you need to discharge the system completely (which, if you have R12 is going to be a PITA and costly).

It was converted to R134 about 6 or 7 years ago. Would it be okay if I put in a can of oil charge to the suction side of the york compressor? Thanks

My ports are quick connect. Does that make adding oil easier?

You can add oil to the suction side, but the question is will enough oil find it's way to your York's crankcase?
Youy may still need to evacuate the system in order to check your compressor's oil level. At least you're not dealng with R12.

Happy Motoring, Mark

My it turns out the compressor is leaking oil from the bottom of the crankcase. I need to replace it.