Can You Mix PAG and POE Oil?

PAG oil, also called polyalkylene glycol, is a synthetic lubricant often used as a hydraulic fluid or coolant in automotive applications. POE oil, on the other hand, is a petroleum-based lubricant. It’s commonly used in HVAC systems and compressors. But can you mix PAG and POE oil? Many people have brought up this in the past, and the answers from the sources online aren’t really clear.

Some people believe it is possible to mix these oils to create a powerful mixture, while others claim that this can be dangerous. But what is the actual answer? Well, in short, due to their different chemical properties, we should not mix them.

What is PAG Oil?

PAG oil is a type of synthetic oil that is used in automotive compressors and other applications where a lubricant is needed. This oil is made from various chemicals, including polyglycols and esters. PAG oil can also be used in refrigerants, power steering systems, differentials and transmissions. When choosing a PAG oil for your vehicle, selecting the correct viscosity rating for your specific application is essential. PAG oils are available in a variety of different viscosities, including 46, 100. 140, etc.

Advantages of PAG Oils

PAG oils are perfect for use in a multitude of scenarios due to their many benefits. A few advantages of using PAG oils are as follows:

1. PAG oils are thermally stable. This indicates that they can resist extreme heat without deteriorating or breaking down. They are therefore perfect for use in hot conditions like gearboxes and engines.
2. PAG oils are also resistant to oxidation. This means that they will not break down when exposed to oxygen, making them ideal for use in situations where there is a risk of oxygen exposure (such as in sealed systems).
3. PAG oils also have good lubricity properties. This means that they can help reduce friction and wear, making them ideal for use in applications with a risk of wear and tear.

Overall, PAG oils have several advantages that make them ideal for various applications.

What is POE Oil?

POE oil or polyol ester oil is a synthetic oil that is used as a refrigerant in air conditioning systems and other cooling systems. It is safe for the environment and does not contribute to ozone depletion. POE oil is also non-toxic and non-flammable. POE oils are also used in various applications, including hydraulic fluids, compressor oils, and turbine oils.

Advantages of POE Oils

Compared to other oils, polyolester (POE) oils have a number of benefits, such as:

1. They are more thermally stable than other oils. This indicates that they are resistant to degradation or breakdown at high temperatures. For this specific reason, they are perfect for use in high high-temperature parts like lubricating bearings or gears.
2. They have a higher viscosity index than other oils, meaning they maintain their viscosity (thickness) over a broader range of temperatures. This makes them less likely to thin out at high temperatures or thicken up at low temperatures, making them more consistent in performance.
3. They are more resistant to oxidation than other oils, meaning they last longer before breaking down and becoming ineffective. That’s why POE oil is suitable for conditions with higher temperature and oxygen exposure.
4. They are more resistant to foam formation than other oils, meaning they can be used in applications where foaming could be a problem. This makes them ideal for use in hydraulic systems or gearboxes.
5. POE oils are non-toxic and biodegradable. This makes them safer for the environment than other lubricants, such as petroleum-based oils.
6. They have a higher flash point than other oils, meaning they are less likely to catch fire. This makes them ideal for use in applications with a risk of fire, such as in engines or industrial furnaces. Polyester oils have all these advantages and more, making them the oil of choice for many applications. So, if you’re looking for an oil that can handle the heat, resist oxidation, and resist foaming, polyester oil is the way to go.

Can We mix PAG and POE oil?

The answer has to do with the chemical structure of the two oils. PAG oil is made up of linear molecules, while POE oil consists of branched molecules. When you mix the two oils, the linear molecules of PAG oil line up next to each other, while the branched molecules of POE oil get tangled up, creating a mixture that is difficult for your compressor to compress and can lead to problems. So, while mixing these two oils might be tempting, it’s best to stick with just one or the other.

Consequences of Mixing PAG and POE Oil

There are many consequences of mixing PAG and POE oil. By far the most crucial factor while trying to mix these oils is compatibility. These two oils have different chemical compositions, which can cause problems when they are attempted to be mixed. Since they have different chemical compositions, they won’t mix and might result in sludge formation.

For example, PAG oil can break down POE oil, causing it to foam and become less effective. Mixing these two oils can also reduce the efficiency of your car’s cooling system or compressor.

Another risk is that these oils flow at varying rates due to their different viscosities. This can cause problems with your car’s compressor, as one oil may flow faster than the other and cause imbalances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

So, can you mix PAG and POE oil? The straight-up answer is you cannot. PAG and POE oils are made of two different compositions and chemical structures. For this reason, they don’t form a homogenous mixture. Furthermore, trying to mix them and use them in your car can lead to several adverse outcomes.