AC System - lubricating threads

[Fonzey]

I've had to destroy a portion of my AC system to remove it, and would like to make sure it's serviceable in future after I put a new condenser and pipework in.

Is it safe/wise to lubricate threads on an AC system? If so is standard copper grease alright?

Due to the packaging in the front of the Exige, many jobs require you to dismantle the system - so to be able to do it without destroying it would be handy.

[E-bmw]

A little wipe of silicone grease can't go amis but I wouldn't use copper grease.

[Fonzey]

E-bmw said:

A little wipe of silicone grease can't go amis but I wouldn't use copper grease.

Excellent, cheers!

[ruggedscotty]

working on a refrigeration system....

well aware of the legalities ? if your breaking into a refrigerant system then you really need to be aware of what you are doing and what is involved with the refrigerant system like what type etc...

lecture finished...

I use this... or similar and its great...

https://www.refrigtech.com/nylog-blue/

[Fonzey]

It was drained by a garage before the car was dismantled, stand down soldier

Thanks for the link

[ruggedscotty]

good man

[E-bmw]

ruggedscotty said:

working on a refrigeration system....

well aware of the legalities ? if your breaking into a refrigerant system then you really need to be aware of what you are doing and what is involved with the refrigerant system like what type etc...

lecture finished...

I use this... or similar and its great...

https://www.refrigtech.com/nylog-blue/

That is more for threads that you want to seal rather than threads you want to lubricate though, not sure which the OP is doing.

Edited by E-bmw on Saturday 4th January 09:53

[ruggedscotty]

All AC manuals will tell you to use whatever lubricant is in the compressor to thoroughly lube the o-ring when assembling an AC refrigerant joint. They are not designed for dry installation.

You could use the AC lube on the threads of the fittings as well. It does a decent job of keeping the threads protected from corrosion. By the same token, there is nothing wrong with using standard anti-seize on the threads of the fitting, provided that you do not get any anti-seize into the AC lines (that is, the portion carrying the refrigerant) themselves. I have no idea what kind of mischief the anti-seize would cause to your compressor or if it mixed with PAG, Ester or mineral oil, but you don't want to be the guinea pig.

After reading some technical manuals from Parker, etc, the recommendation is to lube up the O-ring with the system oil (PAG in my case), and then apply a medium thread locker to the bottom half of the male threads (carefully applied) to act as a deterrent for moisture/corrosion entering the fitting and to lock the mechanical joint for vibration loosening.


Blue gel thread locker it is.