a/c oil questions (7 Viewers)

[Tedward]

I replaced the heater core in my 95 LC.
In doing so the a/c lines at the firewall were disconnected. The pressure release was pretty much all at once, or only took a few seconds.
Not how one should do it but I was in a pinch. It was winter and I was working in my sisters garage. anyway, it happened
Now it's almost summer time.
I'd like to get the a/c working again.
All the parts have been replaced by me a few years ago. Lines, dryer, compressor... all of it. Worked just fine before I did the thing.

So, I know I need a new dryer and it may not come with o-rings. I should use mineral oil to lube any o-rings I do replace. The system has to be evacuated, meaning a vacuum and a recharge.
What I don't know is about the oil. How much is in there? Do I add how much?

Do I have to remove the compressor and drain the oil?
Is there a fairly accurate way to determine how much oil was lost?
I'd rather not remove and open the compressor if I don't have to. Then again I do want to do the job mostly correctly?

Asking around I can't get an answer about the oil.

I am hoping the hive can get me informed about this.
thinking @flintknapper and any of the other smart kindly fellows I remember reading
I use to just read stuff on here for hours, but the a/c stuff I don't know jack about

Ed

 

[DIRTBIKEUSA]

Open both ports. Cover one port with finger and spin compressor to pump out old oil. And a few ounces of new oil and spin compressor until it’s almost full.

Might as well replace filter dryer while you are there. Blow out system with clean dry compressed air, or dry nitrogen.

When you go to refill system pull several vacuumes to boil out all moisture. Make sure no too much new compressor oil is pulled out.

Don’t over think it.

 

[Irish Reiver]

I did the exact same thing a couple of years back. I wanted to replace the condenser and just unbolted it without evacuating the refrigerant. The oil went everywhere. (I no longer allow vodka in the garage.)
I ended up pulling the compressor and did a drain and refill. Same with the evaperator. Blew out the lines and so effectively started with a completely dry system. Refill with the correct amount of good oil and pull a vacuum for a few hours and you should be good to go.
Pulling the evaporator is a pain but a good opportunity to clean 20 years of crap out of it.

 

[Tedward]

It wasn't vodka, just beers. plus it can get smokey out there.
Well I guess it comes apart.
Thanks for the the advice.
I'll pick up a 12 'er and get after it. Maybe I'll even work on the wagon too?

 

[flintknapper]

Just seeing this. I agree with @Irish Reiver.

You'll want to treat it as if it were a new install. So compressor needs come out and be drained (add 4 ounces of PAG46 back to it). Evaporator should be removed, cleaned and blown out, replace drier. Lines and condenser blown out. Remaining 4 ounces of oil (8 ozs total for system) divided between the Condenser, Evap and drier.

Button it all back up. Pull a deep vacuum (allow plenty of time) and recharge. It will be worth the effort.

 

[Tedward]

You guys rock.
flintknapper... I remember sending you a pic of a found arrow head and then seeing some of your own work. Was a few years ago,
Anyway, treat like a new install, yup

 

[flintknapper]

You guys rock.
flintknapper... I remember sending you a pic of a found arrow head and then seeing some of your own work. Was a few years ago,
Anyway, treat like a new install, yup

I remember.

Take your time on your A/C work. Has to be done right....for best results.