oil distribution

vdiaz133 on Thu October 02, 2014 3:17 PM

Year: 1994
Make: Chevy
Model: S-10 Blazer
Engine Size: 4.3
Country of Origin: United States

I've searched everywhere and can't find the answer to my question. I'm doing a R-12 to R-134 retrofit to my S-10 Blazer. I have bought all new components (condenser, accumulator, compressor, orifice tube, evaporator, and the lines). My question is; when adding oil to the system, how much oil do I add to each of the components before putting everything back together? The whole system takes 8 oz of PAG 150 oil.

mk378 on Thu October 02, 2014 7:10 PM

It doesn't really matter because the oil circulates during operation. Put most of the oil in the compressor because that is the only part that actually needs oil. You can put the rest in the accumulator or into the line out of the compressor leading to the condenser. The important thing is to get a good charge of refrigerant in before starting the compressor for the first time, so that the refrigerant can move the oil around rather than having the compressor run dry.

vdiaz133 on Thu October 02, 2014 10:31 PM

something like 4oz in the compressor, 1oz in the condenser, 1oz in the evaporator and 2oz in the accumulator? would that be ok?

vdiaz133 on Wed October 08, 2014 9:38 AM

I'll be adding the oil to the components today. I just want to confirm that the amounts I think I should distribute in the system are correct.

4oz compressor
2oz accumulator
1oz condenser
1oz evaporator

would this be ok?

mk378 on Wed October 08, 2014 10:35 AM

Overly complicated, but would work. Do not add oil to anything until just before final assembly. PAG oil absorbs mositure from the air so you don't want to leave any component with oil in it open. You may even want to completely close up the system without oil and do a static (compressor not running) leak test and then if that passes, open a few joints and add the oil.

Also make sure your new compressor didn't come with a charge of oil already in it.

AC_Doc on Wed October 08, 2014 3:10 PM

Actually, if you put 4 oz in the compressor, and 4 oz in the accumulator, after 30 seconds of compressor operation the oil distribution would be close to your list.

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Sometimes you must accept things at faith value!

Edited: Wed October 08, 2014 at 3:12 PM by AC_Doc

vdiaz133 on Wed October 08, 2014 8:25 PM

Thanks guys. I just read your replies but I went with the above 4,2,1,1. Next time, I'll do 4 and 4 in the accumulator. I pulled a vacuum and it dropped to 500 microns and left it there for about an hour.
Just added approximately 2 lbs of R134 and pressures are 37 on low side and 235 on high side. I can't find my thermometer but when I find it, ill check the temperature at the vents.
Again, thanks guys