Hi Neal,
I’ll answer your questions in general terms below, but we need a little
more information from you to prevent giving incorrect advice.
What specific repair/replacement of parts/components did you perform?
Did you replace a hose, an o-ring, the receiver/dryer, etc?
If the dealer simply discharged or even evacuated the system, that did
NOT remove any refrigeration oil. If you did not change the
compressor, change the condenser, or change the receiver/dryer, then
you did not do anything to remove any refrigeration oil. If you had a
leaking hose, o-ring or other component, then you MIGHT have lost some
oil, but unless you found a lot of oily accumulation around the leak
source it is not likely that any significant amount of oil was lost
from the system.
Under the conditions described above you would NOT need to add
refrigeration oil, and you would simply do the following:
(1) If the system was open to the air for more than a few minutes, you
should change the receiver/dryer, as the desiccant will have absorbed
too much moisture and is no longer effective. Moisture in the system
causes corrosion of components and can cause leaks and reduced heat
transfer.
(2) After replacement of all components, you need to draw a deep vacuum
on the system and make sure it holds that vacuum for at least 30
minutes, as a leak test, and to prepare for charging with refrigerant.
If you don’t have a vacuum pump, or an air compressor to which you can
attach an air vacuum pump that you can get for about $15, then have a
refrigeration shop evacuate your system and leak test as described
above – charge should be about $50 - $75.
(3) You can then charge the system yourself with R-134a if you have the
charging handle, the refrigerant cans, and proper information on where
& how to add refrigerant (no oil or leak sealer required unless you
replaced a component described above).
George Balthrop, Clifton, VA USA
85 & 89 XJ-S Coupes; 89 XJ40 VDP-----Original Message-----
From: Neng neng2@cox.net
The last time I was at the dealer, I had him evacuate the
refrigerant from my AC system so I could fix a easily accessed
leak. Now I want to recharge the system. Should I buy the cans of
refrigerant that only contain refrigerant, or cans that include
oil, or cans that include oil and leak sealer?
Someone told me I should have plenty of oil in the system and don’t
need to add any.
Thanks,
Neal
Neal Engledow – '96 4.0
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