Dumb AC Questions

This is my first time attempting AC work. I have replaced all the parts (evaporator, condenser, compressor, lines).

The new oem compressor came with oil in it, but I’m not sure how much.

How do I fill the system with the correct amount of oil?

Where do I add the oil?

Are these the steps to get it going again?
1.add correct amount of oil
2. Pull vacuum and hold to ensure no leaks
3. While running with ac on high, add the correct amount of refrigerant

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Some compressors have a tag on them stating how much oil they have, if it doesn't then you have to pour it out and measure it then add back the correct amount.

The other steps look right to me.

 

Problem is its nearly impossible to drain the whole system.

I usually add 1/2 capacity of the system after dumping out the oil thats in the compressor. Or add 1 ounce to a compressor thats already full.

It's a fickle thing. I've only seen issues with techs that add no oil at all. I've yet to see an issue as long as the tech adds more than 1 ounce.

 

I assume the compressor can’t take all of the oil. Where/how should I add the rest of the oil?

 

I messed up and spilled some oil out of my compressor. They’re supposed to come pre filled. So I poured it all out and went by the repair manual on how much to add for given component replacements.

I know of at least two ways to add oil.
1. Certain A/C machines have the ability to add in a specified quantity of oil during the charging process.
2. There are tools that exist that you pour a measured quantity of oil into, and inject it through the service line while the truck is running. Using an injector tool means it can potentially be done later, with the truck already charged and not having to evacuate the refrigerant.

not having my FSM books on hand I used trusty old workshop manuals dot com to look up oil quantities.

 

I typically put it all in the suction port (or oil fill/drain port if it has one) of the compressor, it will find it's home once you charge the system just make sure to rotate the compressor by hand several times after you connect the lines to clear the oil out of the pumping chambers so you don't hydrolock the compressor on startup.

If you feel better doing it the other way just divide it between the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and lines.

 

So the compressor typically comes with a full system charge of oil because most (aftermarket) companies say you should flush all the old oil from the system to prevent debris from a failed compressor from ruining a new one or plugging the txv/orifice tube or plugging the drier.

The best way to add oil is to pour a bit into each component and when you add it to the compressor spin it by hand to spread it around and discharge the excess. At this point with everything together, I would just pull the system under a vacuum and basically right away unscrew the high side from the gauge and put the tube in the oil to suck it into the system then continue pulling a vacuum for 20-90mins atleast.

From there, charge it as you desire. If you're not using real R134a then make sure you charge it as a liquid. If you have real R134a then disregard my liquid charge statement

 

I got it filled with oil and Freon. It’s only blowing about 59 degrees, so I think I’ve got some bugs to work out.

The mix door to direct airflow from the various vents doesn’t seem to be working.

The low side pressure was 42 psi and high side was 250 with AC on max. Do these seem ok?

 

Did you put the correct amount of oil (5.1oz) and refrigerant (21oz)?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-information-diagnostics.784008/#post-28042158

Depends on ambient temp but low side is close maybe a little high, high side seems high unless it's 90+ out.