AC compressor oil

[desert]

I ordered a new ac compressor for my 85 280SL Euro and when it arrived I found out it was filled with PAG 100 oil. My system is R12 so the PGA 100 will either have to be drained and replaced with R12 compatable oil or sent back for exchange, at my expense since I didn't specifcy R12 when I ordered it.( stupid) My question is: can or should my shop replace the PGA 100 oil with a R12 compatable oil, how difficult is this and would it be cost effective vs. sending it back ( shipping cost, handling etc) and getting a new one with R12 oil? Thanks, Desert...

[Gilly]

Would seem to me that the correct thing to do would be to convert at this time to R123a

[Yak]

or even 134a.

I believe you can drain it without negative impact as long as it's thoroughly drained.

Most compressors will have some form of oil from the shipper and more than likely it'll be 134a compatible instead of r12-friendly mineral or ester.

You may want to PM leathermang or vstech for a specific opinion.

[desert]

Problem solved, I double checked with the actual shipper of the unit, not the co I ordered it through and they confirmed that the oil was mineral, not PAG 100 so no problem in keeping my R12 in the system. Thanks for the input, I may need it for future reference although I hope I don't have to replace another compressor soon....Desert

[280EZRider]

I would check the oil in the compressor just to be sure. I recently replaced my York with a Sanden and had to drain out the PAG oil to replace it with mineral - same engine as yours - M110. It seems that even though a new compressor is be advertised as "for 134 or R12," it will always come with PAG.

Draining is easy enough, but time consuming. I spent about a half-hour turning the compressor to pump out the PAG, and then repeated the process later on. I then let it sit overnight to complete its drip, drip. The next day, I put in the same amount, but mineral oil. Slowly fill the low pressure side until the oil comes to the top and then slowly pump it into the compressor, but not enough cause it to flow out the high pressure side. Repeat the process until you have the correct amount of oil installed.