Q: Oil in AC system; -88 780

Hi, all.

I'm converting the AC to R-134a, and changing the dryer, compressor,
condenser and some hoses.

I will get the compressor filled with oil to Volvo spec, but I have read
somewhere that if you change some major components, like the condenser; you
have to add oil in the system. Is this true?
Or, will the compressor have the right level for the entire system, and no
extra oil have to be added?

Answers appriciated.


Per Mathisen, Norway
-88 780

 

That depends on which compressor you buy. Most replacement compressors
come with the amount of oil needed if no other parts are changed. Keep
in mind that R134a uses a different oil than R12, so you need enough oil
for the whole system. It is generally advised that you get as much of
the old oil out as possible, and also change the receiver-drier.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

Thanks for the response.

Yes, I'm aware of the oil type issue. The system has been cleaned and all
the O-rings and the receiver/drier has been changed. There is very little;
if any; old oil in the system, as the condenser, evaporator and drier has
been changed, and all the hoses and tubing has
been out and hanged up and blown thru by compressed air.

The compressor is a Sanden SD7H15, and the question is how much oil should
be filled in it? If the compressor is shipped with the amount of oil for
compressor change only, then how much oil should be added to compensate for
the condenser etc. ?

Any idea? The service manual from Sanden is a bit unclear of the amount of
oil, and I hate to seize up the new compressor because of wrong amount of
oil.


Per Mathisen, Norway
-88 780

 

You have to carefully flush out all the hoses, evaporator, and condenser
with solvent. Remove the compressor, drain it thoroughly, then fill with
the specified amount of ester oil. It's not really too hard, when I
converted mine it took an afternoon.

If you replace the compressor, make sure it comes with ester oil in it,
many times it will come with PAG oil which you have to drain and refill.
The Volvo conversion kit comes with a bottle of oil.

 

Well, how about a link the Volvo's upgrade bulletin?

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/VolvoR134Conversion/R134ConversionPage1.htm

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)