Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

lambertjohn on Mon August 29, 2011 7:20 PM

Year: 1996
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Golf
Engine Size: 2.8
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Country of Origin: United States

I'm in the process of rebuilding the ac system in my old VW due to a compressor failure. I'm installing a new condenser, new drier, new expansion valve, and new compressor. I'm also flushing the hoses multiple times and having the evaporator professionally flushed by a local AC mechanic. In the next few days, I'll be putting everything back in the car. My question is this:

The compressor has a label on it that says, "This compressor has the proper oil and proper amount already added. Do not alter oil or amount." Since this is a Sanden SD7V16 compressor, I'm assuming that there is 3.9 (115 cc) ounces of oil in the compressor, which according to Sanden, is what comes inside this particular compressor. If that's the case, do I need to add any additional oil to the condenser and evaporator before I connect everything back up? Or is the 3.9 ounces inside the compressor enough for the entire system?

Other than the compressor, I was going to install everything dry and let the oil circulate on its own when I fire the system up. Is that the proper way to distribute the oil throughout the system?

Lastly, should I go ahead and drain the compressor to verify how much oil is inside? Or should I trust that the correct amount is in there from the factory?

Any help with this matter would be appreciated. I'm ready to put this whole thing back together and enjoy some cold air for a change. Wish me luck!

Thanks all!

Edited: Mon August 29, 2011 at 7:56 PM by lambertjohn

HECAT on Tue August 30, 2011 9:26 AM

I would drain the "shipping oil" and load it with fresh (spec. 4 oz. PAG 46). Rotate the compressor by hand before starting to prevent any oil slugging on start up.

-------------------------

lambertjohn on Tue August 30, 2011 11:14 AM

Thanks for the help HECAT!! I'll definitely do that. But should I add a small bit of oil to the new condenser and the "flushed" evaporator? Or will the 4 oz. in the compressor be enough for the entire system? I'm guessing the oil in the compressor is all I have to worry about. But I just want to make sure. Thanks again!

HECAT on Tue August 30, 2011 4:05 PM

You can put the 4 oz (the spec for your car) distributed anywhere you want. As soon as it starts, the compressor and refrigerant will distribute it through the system. Make sure to rotate compressor before start up.

-------------------------