Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

jga2z on Sat June 11, 2011 7:09 PM

Year: 2003
Make: Pontiac
Model: Montana
Engine Size: 3.4
Refrigerant Type: r134a
Country of Origin: United States

I am changing the condenser and receiver drier on this van and am trying to get an exact oil charge in the system. The compressor has no drain plug so I don't know how determine much oil it has, and end up with a correct total for the system. System total is supposed to be 8oz (i'm going to use ester). Does this compressor not have a sump? is all the oil circulating?
I have more info on this job in another post here
It was suggested that I might have too much oil, so I need to try to get an accurate measure of oil after the condenser change and flush.

This is what the compressor I have looks like. Mine's an OE AC Delco details here


Edited: Sat June 11, 2011 at 7:30 PM by jga2z

jga2z on Sun June 12, 2011 12:00 AM

Well I guess I found the drain plug. It points up when installed, and is bottom right side of back end in lower pic.
After removing compressor and draining, I only got about 2.5-3 oz out. How much more could be in the condenser/dryer?

tomw on Mon June 13, 2011 3:17 PM

Speaking *generally*, it's about 1oz per item, except the accumulator and compressor. If you replace the accumulator, drain and measure what comes out, and add the measured amount plus whatever you think is left behind on the walls that you don't want to wait for. Tsp? Tbsp? I dunno.
You can drill a hole at the bottom, near the 'corner' of the bottom and the wall, and let oil drain from that.

If your condenser is dry, without blockage from worn & exploded compressor bits, that could have trapped lube, you'd add 1oz to it. Ditto the evaporator.
The compressor would get the remainder. This is from what I was told by people on the board long ago.
tom

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simplificate and add lightness

Edited: Mon June 13, 2011 at 3:18 PM by tomw