Refrigerator oil substitution?

[JulieD]

We installed a Dometic Cold Machine yesterday and when it came time to make all of the connections we found that we needed refrigerator oil on the threads of the refrigerant tubing connections. We are in Panama, it's the weekend before a big holiday and specialized items are hard to find here. Is there a substitute for refrigerator oil? I contacted the Dometic tech and, through a short emailed note, he said to use 3 in 1 oil. Again, a hard to find item here.

Can sewing machine oil be used? How about mineral oil? I understand that the oil needs to be able to dissolve in the refrigerant so I am questioning 3 in 1 oil because of its paraffin content.

[GordMay]

Sewing machine oil is probably "lighter" than 3 in 1; but I think it should work just fine. 3 in 1 consists of low-viscosity mineral oil, with a small amount of corrosion inhibitor, and citronella oil (perfume).

[Dallen]

Just to lubricate the rubber seals in the
Quick connect fitting use the lube least harmful to the rubber. It is a very small amt. if I understand ur question
Less than a teaspoon if that won't hurt anything. And it probably won't get in the system anyway
Auto trams fluid. Or power steering fluid
Crankcase oil or even vasoline
Also the compressor is ful of the correct
Oil. Weather it's possibly to or worth it to
Open system to get a teaspoon out of it
Is debate able. U would have to tilt the comp far enough over to pour some out
Got the old one. Lots of oil n there

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by JulieD

We installed a Dometic Cold Machine yesterday and when it came time to make all of the connections we found that we needed refrigerator oil on the threads of the refrigerant tubing connections. We are in Panama, it's the weekend before a big holiday and specialized items are hard to find here. Is there a substitute for refrigerator oil? I contacted the Dometic tech and, through a short emailed note, he said to use 3 in 1 oil. Again, a hard to find item here.

Can sewing machine oil be used? How about mineral oil? I understand that the oil needs to be able to dissolve in the refrigerant so I am questioning 3 in 1 oil because of its paraffin content.

You would take the advice of strangers on the Internet over the advice of the manufacturer?

Go to a refrigeration shop and get your refrigeration oil or use 3 in 1 oil as the manufacturer suggested.

[Richard Kollmann]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Sewing machine oil is probably "lighter" than 3 in 1; but I think it should work just fine. 3 in 1 consists of low-viscosity mineral oil, with a small amount of corrosion inhibitor, and citronella oil (perfume).

If this is a new Cold Machine and has the self piercing connectors then there are two important things to do when making the line connections, lubricate connector O rings and lines must be in perfect alignment before pushing connectors together. If connectors are not in a strait line O ring seal will be damaged and refrigerant will leak out until connection is tight against final permanent metal to metal seal. The O ring seals purpose on this type connector is to prevent refrigerant loss during line connection only. I would recommend a small amount of Vaseline jelly on finger to make O ring more slippery and wipe off excess.