A/C Refrigerant System Components, Replacing
If the A/C system has been open (discharged) beyond the normal assembly time or if moisture is found in the system:- Always replace restrictor and accumulator
- Replacement A/C compressors, evaporators and condensers supplied by the parts dept. are filled with nitrogen. If gas does not escape when component is first opened, it is possible that the component is malfunctioning, do not install.
- To prevent moisture contamination, do not open components packed with a desiccant bag (accumulator, restrictor) until ready to install.
- When A/C refrigerant system is discharged and a component is being replaced, also replace restrictor.
Hoses, lines, evaporator, condenser
- Discharge A/C system.
- Remove malfunctioning component.
- Blow through component with compressed air and collect oil that runs out.
- Add same amount of new refrigerant oil to new component plus amount listed below:
- Evaporator 20 cc (0.7 oz)
- Condenser 10 cc (0.3 oz)
- Refrigerant line 10 cc (0.3 oz)
- Refrigerant hose 10 cc (0.3 oz)
- Install component.
- Evacuate and charge A/C system.
NOTE:
- If refrigerant oil is dark or thick, remove oil from all system components including A/C compressor and refill with fresh oil. If dirt has penetrated the compressor (for example, as the result of an accident), replace compressor.
- Dispose of used refrigerant oil following laws governing hazardous waste disposal.
Accumulator
- Discharge A/C system.
- Remove accumulator.
- Add 30 cc (1.0 oz) of fresh refrigerant oil to new accumulator before installing.
- Evacuate and charge A/C system.
A/C compressor
If compressor is removed, but is to be reinstalled:
- Remove compressor oil drain plug.
- Drain refrigerant oil from compressor (rotate compressor by hand to speed up oil draining process) and measure amount.
NOTE: Dispose of used refrigerant oil following laws governing hazardous waste disposal.
If total amount of refrigerant oil drained from compressor 15 less than or equal to 80 cc (2.7 oz):
- Refill compressor with same amount of fresh refrigerant oil.
- Install oil drain plug.
If total amount of refrigerant oil drained from compressor is greater than 80 cc (2.7 oz):
- Refill compressor with 80 cc (2.7 oz) of fresh refrigerant oil.
- Subtract 80 cc (2.7 oz) from total amount of refrigerant oil drained from compressor.
- Add resulting amount of fresh refrigerant oil to either evaporator or accumulator.
Example:
100 cc (amount of oil drained from old compressor)
-80 cc (amount of fresh oil added to new compressor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 cc (amount of fresh oil to be added to evaporator or accumulator)
- Install oil drain plug.
- Install A/C compressor.
- Evacuate and charge A/C system.
- Manually rotate A/C compressor 10 rotations before operating system to prevent compressor damage.
If A/C compressor is replaced new:
- Discharge A/C system.
- Remove A/C compressor.
NOTE: Replacement A/C compressors supplied by the parts department are filled with 300 cc ± 20 cc (10.1 oz ± 0.68 oz) of refrigerant oil. This is the total system oil capacity.
- Remove compressor oil drain plug.
- Drain refrigerant oil from old compressor (rotate compressor by hand to speed up oil draining process) and measure amount.
NOTE: Dispose of used refrigerant oil following laws governing hazardous waste disposal.
- Remove oil drain plug from new compressor.
- Drain fresh oil from new replacement compressor and save.
If total amount of refrigerant oil drained from old compressor is less than or equal to 80 cc (2.7 oz):
- Refill new compressor with same amount of fresh refrigerant oil.
- Install oil drain plug.
If total amount of refrigerant oil drained from old compressor is greater than 80 cc (2.7 oz):
- Refill new compressor with 80 cc (2.7 oz) of fresh refrigerant oil.
- Subtract 80 cc (2.7 oz) from total amount of refrigerant oil drained from old compressor.
- Add resulting amount of fresh refrigerant oil to either evaporator or accumulator.
Example:
100 cc (amount of oil drained from old compressor)
-80 cc (amount of fresh oil added to new compressor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 cc (amount of fresh oil to be added to evaporator or accumulator)
- Install oil drain plug.
- Install A/C compressor.
- Evacuate and charge A/C system.
- Manually rotate A/C compressor 10 rotations before operating system to prevent compressor damage.