Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

O-Rings and Slim Line Seal Washer

IMPORTANT: Do not lubricate the new slim line seal washer on the compressor side of the suction hose. The slim line seal washer cannot be interchanged with a typical O-ring in the A/C system. Use only suction line slim line washers as a replacement.

NOTE: Use only R-12 Refrigerant oil (mineral) to lubricate O-rings. Use of R-134a (PAG) oil will cause premature corrosion of fitting joints.




1. Install new Saturn approved service replacement air conditioning O-rings or slim line seal washer whenever a joint or fitting is disassembled, except when provided on new components. Even though an O-ring or slim line seal washer may look the same, it is extremely important that only recommended service replacement air conditioning parts be used or leakage of refrigerant will occur.
2. When replacing O-rings or slim line seal washer on an air conditioning component or joint connection, the fitting design should be carefully identified to ensure installation of the correct air conditioning service replacement part. Use a non-metal tool (e.g., plastic pick) to remove O-ring to avoid damaging the mating surface on the fitting.
3. O-ring and slim line seal washer:
a. O-rings should be coated with new R-12 mineral compressor oil. However, the O-ring should not be soaked.
b. Slim line seal washer should not be lubricated with any substance.
4. Prior to installation, verify that both O-rings and fittings have not been nicked or deformed. Deformed or nicked parts must be replaced Failure to use the proper service replacement parts and procedures may result in excessive refrigerant leakage.