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

I hear ya. Well I'll follow the FSM regarding oil replacement and go from there. Thanks again for your help

 

After reading a write up, I think I'm not going to replace the expansion valve unless I need to replace the evaporator... because I would need to remove it just to get to the valve and looks way more labor intensive.

 

Interesting. Normally (at least on Chevy’s) the expansion valve is serviceable separate from the evaporator from inside the engine bay. It’s odd that it’s not accessible.

 

Yup, took a look at the FSM to confirm... Evap removal is required. I'm going to gamble and decide what I need to do depending on what I find when I open up the compressor.

 

This is what came out of the old compressor. I got maybe 12 ml Out of it. Does that seem low?




No debris in the oil, just very dark. I think the last time the compressor was replaced, they did not put oil in the system. Idiots at the stealership... thankfully I caught it before my compressor had catastrophic failure!! It also looks like there was moisture in the system too, because the internal chamber of the compressor was not smooth.

 

Well I added 100cc of PAG46 with "ice" lubricant additive in the new compressor after dumping out 100cc of the factory fill. Pretty sure the old compressor was VERY low on oil, the internal shaft when spinning the clutch was very gritty..

I will likely go on the lower end of the spec when filling the condenser and drier tomorrow

 

Interesting. I’ve never done ac work on a Toyota, that’s some odd looking oil. The oil in GM cars/trucks is clear but has a bright green dye in it. That oil looks fairly clean though, you should be good. As far as it being low, the amount inside the compressor itself can vary. The oil circulates throughout the whole system with the refrigerant. As long as you put in the same amount you got out of the compressor you’re solid.

 

I put in more... the reason why is because there is this helpful pamphlet on the Denso website.. I have strong reason to believe the system was low on oil and the last time it was replace at, ahem, the dealer, they didn't put oil in the new compressor, which is likely why it started making a groaning noise in the first place.




http://www.denso-am.eu/products/aut...-compressors/practical-tip-on-compressor-oil/

I also referenced this thread, specifically post #15 The new stuff I put in was basically clear.

 

Very annoyed... new condenser came with no Orings. Had to get a generic kit from AutoZone. One Oring worked but the others were close but too small. Had to reuse old oRings. Pissed.

Drier and compressor came with new orings. My fault for not checking condenser for orings and having faith in densoproducts.com.

 

Thankfully the dealer had orings I could buy.. I just popped them in. Recharge this afternoon.. hope all goes well

 

AC recharged today. So in all reality I put in 100cc into the compressor (after dumping out 100cc of the factory fill), ~40cc (maybe like 35cc because I was trying to put the oil in after it was mounted) in the condenser and 40cc in the drier. That is approx 180cc out of the total of 229cc needed for the system. If we assume that 40cc was in the evap (according to FSM) and a little (9cc) in the lines, that is the remaining amount.

AC blows cold and operation is quiet once again.

 

How cold is it blowing now ?

 

pretty damn cold, I didn't measure it. But it is 90F in nashville today and felt GREAT!

Next time I drive, I'll take my laser thermometer gun thingy and point it at the center air vents

 

Outstanding!

 

Is that the factory spec?

J/k glad to hear you got it working.

 

LOL. Me too. If I'm cold and it's 90F out, I'm happy. Just hope it lasts a long time!

 

47 while on recirc and idling. 52 while not on recirc. That was with fan on second lowest speed. It was 93 out at time of reading

 

Was able to get 37 degree temp reading tonight. I'd say the AC is working good now! I've also noticed that my engine is not as taxed with the AC on as it was before. The old compressor was really robbing a lot of power.

 

Writing to ThunderOne: Listened to the 'Reduced Wind Noise' video. That's what is happening to my newly installed compressor. Desperate to learn what the cause was!!

 

What brand? Reman or new?