Dont really know about manufacturers recommendations for the s2k, but i would be fine putting off the shelf (higher quality the better obviously) refrigerant lubricant in. Would use the same brand as the r134a you purchase.

 

2003 with 115k on original charge.

 

I wonder, is it ok to mix and match all PAG oils? If you have a leak no matter how small you really shouldnt really keep refilling it. R 134a is still a green house gas and isnt good to let into the enviornment. This is what I read, and I am no enviormentalist, lol but do the right thing.

 

That's what I was wondering because every refrigerant manufacturer can use a different oil, just wondering if it is okay to mix them and work okay with our compressors/seals/etc...

 

My experience shows that any AC system for vehicles uses R134a.
The old R12, environmentally damaging coolant(Freon), is for older vehicles.
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Exactly my concern. In the middle 1990's, automotive air conditioners all switched over to the R134a. This is a much smaller molecule than the old R12, and hence more prone to tiny leaks - no vacuum is so perfect that no molecules ever leak out over time. My original question is whether ten years is a normal time for refrigerant to last in the system without recharge.

 

10 years can definitely be normal. I have another car that's already approaching 15 years and it's still blowing cold as hell with the original refrigerant.


I find that most leaks occur at the seals. If you don't use your AC enough, the seals won't be lubricated so they eventually dry out. I run my AC at least once every few weeks, even during the winter (defrost anyhow).

 

My experience shows that any AC system for vehicles uses R134a.
The old R12, environmentally damaging coolant(Freon), is for older vehicles.
[/quote]
...

Exactly my concern. In the middle 1990's, automotive air conditioners all switched over to the R134a. This is a much smaller molecule than the old R12, and hence more prone to tiny leaks - no vacuum is so perfect that no molecules ever leak out over time. My original question is whether ten years is a normal time for refrigerant to last in the system without recharge.
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I can see how this is plausible. But I think your talking about EXTREMELY small amounts. Like it will take 100+ years for this to happen. By that time you would have gotten a leak from a failing seal. I believe it is pretty air tight seal, think about the pressures it needs to be able to sustain.

 

Honda A/C systems are rock solid. Not as powerful as Ford/GM, but they seem to last forever. Never touched my Accord's after 10 years and 200k miles.

 

04 original at 102K. I did check the PSI levels and it was off 1psi on both sides.