Phil,
This is definitely the great unknown when servicing an A/C system and
I've been struggling with it for years.
Theoretically, a properly operating system will circulate oil
continuously throughout the system. Some manufacturers have released
specs on how much oil pools in each component after shutdown but these
are only approximate values.
At the other extreme, manufacturers recommend a full oil charge be added
if the system vents catastrophically (as in a front end collision where
a hose/line breaks open).
Unfortunately, neither of these conditions apply for about 90% of the
A/C systems I've serviced.
If you got no oil out of the old compressor I'd add the full capacity to
the system before recharging. I've always erred on the high side when
doing this operation and never had a problem. Some of the faulty R-12
A/C systems I serviced over 10 years ago are still going strong.
Do drain all the oil out of the old compressor, though, since the
shipping charge can be many times more than a normal full charge.
My .02
Pete in PA
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2003 22:21:44 -0500
Subject: IML: Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement
From: <pbrust@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I encountered something new while replacing a siezed compressor on a
lesser Mopar: there was no oil in the compressor.
While that explains the siezure, it raises the question of how much
distributed oil there is left in the system.
The manual states that 2 oz of oil for the evaporator and 1 oz of oil
for the condenser should be removed from the 7.75 oz of oil in the new
compressor.
Since the system probably doesn't have the normal level of distributed
oil, I'm inclined to remove only an ounce or two from the new
compressor.
Has anyone had experience with this?
Phil Brust
Jefferson GA
73 & 82 Imperial
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