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I believe my a/c compressor has leaked enough oil over the years that I would like to try to add some. Can it be done without opening up the system or requiring special tools?
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Re: a/c compressor oil
You can add oil without discharging the system, and kits are sold for that purpose, but you have no way of knowing how much oil, if any, your system needs. The addition of oil just for the sake of adding it is not recommended.
The volumn of oil in the AC system, while not critical, has upper and lower limits beyond which system function is affected.
The best procedure is to drain all the oil from the system, internally clean ALL the components, replace the dryer/desicant (method will varry depending on the system used on your Corvette) and refill with the proper volumn of new oil.
This will require complete disassembly of the whole system. Not what you had in mind, I think. Best advice I can offer is: If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Terry McManmon
Terry -
Re: a/c compressor oil
You can add oil without discharging the system, and kits are sold for that purpose, but you have no way of knowing how much oil, if any, your system needs. The addition of oil just for the sake of adding it is not recommended.
The volumn of oil in the AC system, while not critical, has upper and lower limits beyond which system function is affected.
The best procedure is to drain all the oil from the system, internally clean ALL the components, replace the dryer/desicant (method will varry depending on the system used on your Corvette) and refill with the proper volumn of new oil.
This will require complete disassembly of the whole system. Not what you had in mind, I think. Best advice I can offer is: If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Terry McManmon
TerryComment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
Can you offer more info on how to flush the AC system? I have a 71 big block car on which the system has been left open for some time. I know I need to put a new compressor and hoses (both missing), and change the dryer, but I am at a loss on how to flush any contamination that may be in the evaporator or condensor.Comment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
Can you offer more info on how to flush the AC system? I have a 71 big block car on which the system has been left open for some time. I know I need to put a new compressor and hoses (both missing), and change the dryer, but I am at a loss on how to flush any contamination that may be in the evaporator or condensor.Comment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
There is a flushing fluid that is made specifically for this purpose. It is mixed with a refrigerant (I can not remember the number now, but it is not R12) as a carrier/propellant. This is not commonally available at auto parts stores. It is available at HVAC supply houses. It has been a while since I looked for it and it may now require a license to purchase. I will look at home and get you the exact material, but that will take a few days.
If this were several years ago I would recommend using 111 trichlroethane (I hope I spelled that right), but that is now on the EPA hit list. I am sure there are solvents to replace it and a check with a HVAC supply house should yield a solvent you can purchase. Since your system is already open it should be easy. Once flushed you will have to seal it until you can get it charged with your refrigerant of choice.
Other posts have dealt with R134 replacement in R12 systems so I will not beat that horse again.
Terry McManmon
TerryComment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
There is a flushing fluid that is made specifically for this purpose. It is mixed with a refrigerant (I can not remember the number now, but it is not R12) as a carrier/propellant. This is not commonally available at auto parts stores. It is available at HVAC supply houses. It has been a while since I looked for it and it may now require a license to purchase. I will look at home and get you the exact material, but that will take a few days.
If this were several years ago I would recommend using 111 trichlroethane (I hope I spelled that right), but that is now on the EPA hit list. I am sure there are solvents to replace it and a check with a HVAC supply house should yield a solvent you can purchase. Since your system is already open it should be easy. Once flushed you will have to seal it until you can get it charged with your refrigerant of choice.
Other posts have dealt with R134 replacement in R12 systems so I will not beat that horse again.
Terry McManmon
TerryComment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
My local Pep Boys has stuff for flushing A/C systems. 2 kinds of fluid - 1 for R-12, and 1 for R-134. The stuff was ~$11 for a container which appeared to be approximately a quart. I _think_ the stuff was called R-11, but I am not sure. I have also seen flushing fluids on some automotive A/C supply houses Web sites.
If you were replacing the dryer/reservoir/accumulator, I would think that you could flush with just about any solvent which would not hurt the seals or hoses. As long as you could get it all out, and as long as residual amounts were compatible with the refrigerant you intended to use. In the case of someone who is replacing the compressor; replacing the accumulator; and, has the system open, how would you go about flushing? I mean, leaving aside the flushing fluid, what is the actual procedure? How does the shade tree mechanic get the flush fluid in; circulated; and, out?Comment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
My local Pep Boys has stuff for flushing A/C systems. 2 kinds of fluid - 1 for R-12, and 1 for R-134. The stuff was ~$11 for a container which appeared to be approximately a quart. I _think_ the stuff was called R-11, but I am not sure. I have also seen flushing fluids on some automotive A/C supply houses Web sites.
If you were replacing the dryer/reservoir/accumulator, I would think that you could flush with just about any solvent which would not hurt the seals or hoses. As long as you could get it all out, and as long as residual amounts were compatible with the refrigerant you intended to use. In the case of someone who is replacing the compressor; replacing the accumulator; and, has the system open, how would you go about flushing? I mean, leaving aside the flushing fluid, what is the actual procedure? How does the shade tree mechanic get the flush fluid in; circulated; and, out?Comment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
Typically done by blowing through open individual components with compressed air hose....Comment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
Typically done by blowing through open individual components with compressed air hose....Comment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
Chris is on to the right stuff. The material I have is more than several years old and contains R11, R12 and Trichlorodifluoroethane. It is under pressure and requires the same kind of refrigerant can tapping equipment used for any refrigerant. I would be reluctant to use just any solvent. As you mention it should be compatible with the refrigerant and one should take all reasonable measures to remove even trace amounts of the solvent.
Jack's response about compressed air is correct. I am sure auto manufacturers would want you to use dry oil free air, but as a practical matter most automotive HVAC technicians will reach for the air hose.
TerryComment
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Re: a/c compressor oil
Chris is on to the right stuff. The material I have is more than several years old and contains R11, R12 and Trichlorodifluoroethane. It is under pressure and requires the same kind of refrigerant can tapping equipment used for any refrigerant. I would be reluctant to use just any solvent. As you mention it should be compatible with the refrigerant and one should take all reasonable measures to remove even trace amounts of the solvent.
Jack's response about compressed air is correct. I am sure auto manufacturers would want you to use dry oil free air, but as a practical matter most automotive HVAC technicians will reach for the air hose.
TerryComment
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