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1984 Gslse which I had removed all ac components and flushed thoroughly. Now reinstalling and trying to find oil capacity by component as it all goes back together.
Mineral oil bottle in hand so hoping someone knows the correct number of ounces by area. Then in next couple of weeks will be recharging with R12.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
I went out to my 1985 GSL and I was wrong. The stickers do not have how much oil the AC system uses.
Here are the results from Google AI.
For a complete AC system recharge, a 1985 Mazda RX-7 requires 5.00 ounces of mineral oil, which is compatible with the original R-12 refrigerant.
Important considerations
System flush: If you are performing a full system recharge, you must properly flush all old oil from the compressor, lines, and other components. The oil in an R-12 system is not compatible with the modern R-134a refrigerant, so this step is critical if you are converting.
Check the under-hood decal: The most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle is the factory AC system label, typically located on the hood or radiator support.
Component replacement: If you are only replacing a single component, like the compressor or receiver/drier, the amount of oil you need to add is different. For example, when replacing a receiver/drier, you generally need to add some oil back into the system.
Professional service recommended: Handling AC refrigerants like R-12 requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and a license. Because R-12 is expensive and has been phased out due to its negative environmental impact, many technicians recommend converting the system to R-134a.
A 1985 Mazda RX-7 AC system typically uses 29 ounces (approx. 0.85 liters) of PAG oil if you are retrofitting to R134a, but PAG oil was not originally used in the factory system which used mineral oil. The exact amount depends on whether you are flushing the entire system, adding oil to a new compressor, or performing a partial refill.
Specific amounts to add
PAG oil for R134a retrofit: 29 ounces (0.85 liters). PAG is a synthetic oil used for R134a systems.
Oil for a new compressor: If you are replacing the compressor, it's best to drain the old one and add oil accordingly. A new compressor usually comes with 7 ounces of oil, but the amount you add depends on how much was drained from the old one.
Oil for other components: If you are replacing other components like the accumulator or evaporator core, you will need to add specific amounts of oil to each.
Important considerations
Original oil: The 1985 RX-7 came with a Sanden compressor that originally used mineral oil, not PAG oil. PAG oil is only needed if you are converting to R134a refrigerant.
Do not add PAG to a non-retrofitted system: If your system still uses mineral oil, adding PAG oil can cause damage.
Always check capacity: When in doubt, consult the vehicle's service manual or a professional AC technician to ensure you are using the correct type and amount of oil for your specific system.
Last edited by KansasCityREPU; Oct 26, 2025 at 11:01 AM.
Thank you Kansas, that gives me a starting point. I did try google myself and oddly I have received at least 2 different answers relative to different search attempts. Most of the time I saw 5 ozs like your answer, but id did end up with 6 ounces another time. Perhaps the AI is pulling from different sources at different times.
So I appreciate all of your help here, this gives me more faith that you have seen the 5oz as well.
I have an 80 A/C System repair manual which lists the oil capacity as 170 +/- 15cc's (5.7 oz's) I also have an 80 compressor rebuild manual which instructs to refill with 215-245cc if using in a new system.
The 80 compressor is slightly different than what they used in the FB's but they are most likely similar enough that the recommended oil capacities are not that different. I don't think you'd go wrong with 6 to 8 oz's.
According to the instructions from a factory A/C install kit (for an 84) the recommended R-12 charge is 36oz's.
Banzai. Thank you for all of your effort as well. This will all be great in my upcoming weeks.
I have never pulled a system so far down before, but I have to give all of you many thanks as I have been sitting without a clue wading through many posts without clear direction.
Now I feel much more confident, so again many thanks to all of you guys.