Calculating PAG Oil

[annihil8ted]

Tried looking this up but I haven't found an answer yet and I hope it's not the one I'm coming to the conclusion to.

The PO didn't secure the condenser down and over time, the rubbing against the radiator has cause a hole to appear in the lines leading into the condenser.

When I tried charging the AC before knowing there was a leak, I did hear the compressor try to run so it seems to be okay?

I am replacing both the condenser and the accumulator in my AC system and have them on hand. One big unknown is how long the AC system has been exposed. The PO did say it worked last summer but who knows. I guess I'm concerned with contamination or the oil somehow leaving? Not sure if this is the right rationale though.

My 06 takes about 6.1oz of PAG oil. The thing is how do I calculate how much to put in? How do I calculate how much oil is left in the compressor without taking it out or is that my only option?

 

[Chris]

Tried looking this up but I haven't found an answer yet and I hope it's not the one I'm coming to the conclusion to.

The PO didn't secure the condenser down and the rubbing against the radiator has cause a hole to appear in the lines leading into the condenser.

When I tried charging the AC before knowing there was a leak, I did hear the compressor try to run so it seems to be okay?

I am replacing both the condenser and the accumulator in my AC system and have them on hand. One big unknown is how long the AC system has been exposed. The PO did say it worked last summer but who knows.

My 06 takes about 6.1oz of PAG oil. The thing is how do I calculate how much to put in? How do I calculate how much oil is left in the compressor without taking it out or is that my only option?

Since you've already determined that your '06 TJ requires approximately 6.1 oz of PAG oil, here's how you can approach the situation:

1. Oil Recovery: When you replace the condenser and accumulator, some oil will likely remain in the compressor, as well as potentially some oil in the old components. Unfortunately, without opening up the compressor, there's no sure way to measure how much oil is still in there. However, you can estimate that some oil is still in the system.

2. Oil Replacement Strategy: A common practice is to add back the full amount of oil (6.1 oz) minus what you estimate may still remain in the system. If the compressor has not been disassembled and you don't know how much oil is left in it, a safe approach would be to add around 3 to 4 oz of new PAG oil to the new components.

3. New Components: Generally, new condensers and accumulators come pre-filled with oil, but you’ll want to verify this with the manufacturer's specifications. If they do come pre-filled, you typically would not need to add more oil beyond what has already been provided unless specified otherwise.

4. Flushing: If the system has been exposed for an extended period and may potentially have contaminants, consider flushing the system to remove any remaining oil and debris. This will allow for a fresh start and help prevent any issues down the road.

5. Final Charge: Always ensure that you vacuum the system before recharging it with refrigerant. After recharging, monitor the system's performance to ensure it's working efficiently.

In conclusion, without exact knowledge of how much oil remains in the compressor, your best bet is to start with 3 to 4 oz of new oil in addition to what’s in the new accumulator and condenser. After reassembly, pay close attention to the system's performance and watch for any signs of leaks or issues in the coming days. If you notice performance problems, revisiting the oil levels might be necessary.

 

[DuckNut]

Aside from the AI answer above, there is about 2 ounces tgat gets slung throughout the system. Add that and you should be fine.

The best way would be to take the compressor off. Drain the oil out and add the oil back in, then reassemble.

 

[annihil8ted]

Thank you everyone for the advice! It seems like everyone is pointing to that dropping and measuring the oil in the compressor is the best move so I may start looking in that direction

 

[KennethS]

I remember reading that you can drain the oil out of the parts you are replacing and add that amount of oil back into the system.

 

[NskLJ]

Thank you everyone for the advice! It seems like everyone is pointing to that dropping and measuring the oil in the compressor is the best move so I may start looking in i

If the compressor runs and you have enough charge to run it. Idle with high blower will get most of the oil in the accumulator. Then take it off drain and measure. Replace removed amount plus one ounce for the condenser. If you can remove the compressor drain oil, measure & replace amount from compressor plus 2 oz. One for accumulator and one for condenser.