Replacing AC condenser, drier, expansion valve and compressor. How much oil to add??

I know you add a specified amount of oil directly to the compressor before install. So if I evacuate the system before working on the AC system, does this mean all oiled components are dry? Or do I assume that whatever parts in the AC that have oil, still have the same amount of oil?

I do not want to add the recommended amount of oil to the components only to find out that I have added too much oil because there was still oil somewhere in the system.

Thinking of taking to a shop.. but I have been changing my mind about it.

 

There will still be oil in the system after evac. Normally only a very small amount comes out during evac. Add the specified amount for the components you are replacing. It would be a good idea to pour out as much oil from your old compressor as you can and measure it to make sure you put the same amount into the new one.

 

I just looked up the spec on Mitchell. Looks like the condenser calls for 1.4-1.7 ounces. Drier calls for 0.7 ounces. Then use the balance method to determine amount needed in the compressor.
Edit: that’s for an ‘01. Not sure what year ur truck is or if there were any changes made in newer/older 1st gen years

 

So if I replace the condenser/drier I need to put that much oil in the new parts? Or maybe alittle less?

What do you mean by balance method? Like drain old oil, measure, fill new compressor with same amount?

I have an 04.. should be the same

 

There is oil in the refrigerant, or atleast there is when we recharge home systems. Idk if car refrigerant they sell for cars has oil.

 

I am thinking if I get the system completely flushed that it will remove the oil from the system.. this will take out the guesswork of estimating the oil in the system. What do you guys think?

 

Agian i come from a different hvac background but we get new compressor and they have oil in them already. When we full evac a system then open to atmosphere there is still oil in there, yes we pulled some out and its in the recovery bottles but when we charge it up with fresh refrigerant, it has oil in it already and replaces what was lost. So ive never had to put oil in a system.

Now idk how different a car system is but im sure its simular

 

For AC systems they have R134a and PAG oil separate, they mix together but generally can't use a proportioned amount unless you have high dollar machinery in which case you input the make and model and it'll do the rest. In my case, I need to add the oil manually and then get the system charged at a shop afterwards with plain R134a

 

I replaced the same stuff on my wife's 4Runner last year, and added oil like the system was dry. It was WAY too much, as the compressor came pre oiled. It's probably a good idea to fill the receiver drier with what it requires and then take it to a shop to have them assess what it needs from there. I believe it takes PAG-46, I put the dyed stuff in.

 

I will do that, but I need to make sure it has the right amount of oil. Even the shops will have no clue how much oil is in it.. no way to tell. I think I need to find a shop that will flush it all out so I can start with a completely dry system

 

Yes that’s how i’d do it.

 

You’re overthinking it, put 1.7 in the condenser, 0.7 in the drier, and then measure the amount in the compressor and put that amount in your new compressor

 

Depending on where you get the compressor, it will likely come with about 2-3 ounces already in it.

 

Thanks! Also, would there be any way to tell if there's debris in the system? Or would the shop know when they recover the refrigerant?

 

I got it straight from DensoProducts.com... I was going to order on Amazon but I don't trust them to give me a genuine part. I will call and ask them if it has oil in it already

 

They wouldn’t know during recovery, but when you pour the oil out of your compresor you’ll know. It should be a nice clean bright green. If there are any metal flakes in it you’re contaminated. I’m guessing you compressor seized up on you?

 

Nope, but it's loud as hell. I turn on the AC at 0:28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIh0XYtiaHk&t=3s

 

Ok just check the quality of the oil coming out of your compressor... if it’s a dark metallic green you’ve got a problem and will want to replace your evaporator as well.

 

Damn. I've heard that is located in the dash.. I hope it's not that bad

 

Yea the evaporator is not easy to access... but it’s not advised to attempt to flush them if you’ve got a contaminated system. I’ve had to do a few full system replacements due to compressor failure and they are pretty time consuming.