Can I Use PAG 100 Instead Of PAG 46?

As an automotive enthusiast, you may have come across the need to use different types of oils in various vehicle components. 

These oils have different viscosities, and you may wonder if it is safe to substitute one for the other. but shorter answer is Yes, you can use PAG 100 Instead of PAG 46, but you should take precautions & take it serious.

In this article, we will explore the differences between PAG 46 and PAG 100 and whether it is okay to use PAG 100 instead of PAG 46.

What is PAG oil?

Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil is a synthetic lubricant used in air conditioning systems, especially R134a refrigerant. 

PAG oil is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, which can cause issues if it reaches a certain threshold. 

It is most important to keep the PAG oil containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture from getting in.

What is PAG 46 oil?

PAG 46 oil is a type of PAG oil that has a viscosity of 46 centistokes (cSt) at 40 degrees Celsius. 

PAG 46 Oil is the most commonly used PAG oil in automotive air conditioning systems that use R134a refrigerant. 

PAG 46 Oil is compatible with most automotive A/C systems and is an excellent choice for vehicles from the factory with PAG 46 oil.

What is PAG 100 oil?

PAG 100 oil is a type of PAG oil that has a viscosity of 100 cSt at 40 degrees Celsius. 

PAG 100 Oil a thicker oil than PAG 46 and is used in some air conditioning systems, such as heavy-duty trucks or commercial vehicles. 

It is less hygroscopic than PAG 46 oil, which can absorb less moisture.

Differences between PAG 46 and PAG 100 oil

The primary difference between PAG 46 and PAG 100 oil is their viscosity.

PAG 46 has a lower viscosity than PAG 100, making it more suitable for automotive air conditioning systems. 

PAG 100 oil is thicker and is typically used in larger, more heavy-duty systems. PAG 46 oil is more hygroscopic than PAG 100 oil, which can absorb more moisture.

Property	PAG 46 Oil	PAG 100 Oil
Viscosity	Lower viscosity	Higher viscosity
Recommended uses	Suitable for smaller systems	Suitable for larger systems
Operating temp.	Good at low temperatures	Good at high temperatures
Compatibility	Compatible with R134a refrigerant	Compatible with R134a and R1234yf refrigerants
Miscibility	Mixes well with PAG 100 oil	Mixes well with PAG 46 oil

Can you use PAG 100 instead of PAG 46?

Yes, You can use PAG 100 instead of PAG 46 if necessary, but you must take precautions. 

Since PAG 100 oil is thicker than PAG 46, you may need to adjust the amount of oil used in your system to compensate for the difference. 

It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or the service manual for your vehicle to determine the proper amount of oil.

Learn More: Can I use 10w40 for chainsaw bar oil?

Potential issues with using PAG 100 instead of PAG 46

Since PAG 100 oil is thicker than PAG 46, it may not flow as easily through the system, which can cause problems with lubrication and cooling.

Using PAG 100 oil instead of PAG 46 in a system that requires PAG 46 can also cause issues with hygroscopicity.

PAG 100 oil is less hygroscopic than PAG 46, so it may not absorb as much moisture. Moisture can cause problems with corrosion and other damage to the system, so it’s essential to use the correct type of oil to prevent these issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PAG 46 and PAG 100 oils are commonly used in air conditioning systems.

While they have some differences, they are generally interchangeable in most scenarios.

If you need to use PAG 100 instead of PAG 46, it’s crucial to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and adjust the amount of oil used accordingly.

FAQs