Replacing A/C compressor - How much refrigerant oil in each component?

[Kool LS]

I need to replace my A/C Compressor as the clutch is failing and the unit is leaking at the fitting at the compressor. I have a new A/C Compressor, Accumulator/Dryer, expansion valve and flush and refrigerant oil already from Kragen they provided together.

I need to know how many ounces of refrigerant oil (and what type of PAG oil) each of the components requires:

- Accumulator/Dryer
- Compressor (if needed)
- Evaporator (if i decide to flush it, i may not if it looks clean)
- Condenser (if i flush it, most likely wont)

Doing all the work myself. I have a vacuum unit for vacumming down the system prior to charging. As well as A/C gauges for refilling it after.

Anyone else tackle a job like this on their own before on their LS? I have replaced compressor before on the Mustang.


2000 LS V8 with ~160k miles.

 

[rt2barbers]

A/C oil capacity

Alldata gives the following for an '02 LS V-8
Total system oil charge: 7oz.
Compressor replacement: Drain oil by rotating shaft 6-8 revs while collecting oil in measuring cup. If old oil volume is 3-5 oz, replace with that volume plus 1oz. If volume is greater than 5 oz, replace with 5 oz. If volume is less than 3 oz, replace with 3 oz.
Receiver/drier: Drill 1/2-inch hole and drain into measuring cup. Replace with that volume plus 1 oz.
Evaporator: Add 1 oz to rec/drier inlet tube.
Condenser: Add 1 oz to the cond core or rec/drier inlet tube.
Add 3/4 oz when replacing TXV or a ref line.

 

[rt2barbers]

Oh. I have been unable to find the low side service valve on my '02. So, you may need to recharge by weighing the refrigerant into the high pressure access valve after you evacuate the system.

 

[Outkast]

its in the drivers side wheel well.

 

[rt2barbers]

Thanks, Outcast.

 

[Kool LS]

Thanks rt2barbers for the alldata info!

 

[jj5.0]

expansion valve

how did you remove the expansion valve?

 

[Kool LS]

I didn't end up replacing the expansion valve. It looked to be too much of a pain to get at and was told they rarely need replacing.

My A/C is charged back up and cold, blowing about 37 degrees F in 90 weather!

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

ac compressor was fun

 

[dlo73]

I just did my a\c line that is located on the firewall that goes to the evap. let me tell you it took me 8 hrs to do. I now have a small pin hole on the line coming from the receiver\dryer and am replacing that one this weekend. One word of advice if anyone ever has to replace the line that connects on the firewall, take it to a mechanic and pay the money I think alldata was saying 1.2 hrs for the job.

 

[Broseph]

Bringing an old one back for anyone who can answer a few questions.
I’ve removed the expansion valve and will be replacing it and all components in the system (except lines)

1. Which type of oil do I use? I’ve seen double capped PAG 46 and some say that’s the only kind Ford recommends. The Ford # wasn’t coming up for me.

2. The new compressor says it has 1.5 oz of ICE 32 and Do Not remove it. So do I just add 5.5 oz and call it a day (7 - 1.5)?

3. How do you add 3/4 to the expansion valve? All other components are straightforward but the valve doesn’t appear to have a place to hold oil.

 

[joegr]

1. PAG 46
2. Aftermarket, I assume. Not sure what you should do there.
3. Add 3/4 oz for the expansion valve, to the compressor. Don't over think and don't get carried away here. The total oil charge is 7 oz, that's for everything combined. Those individual amounts are used if you only change that one component.

 

[Broseph]

1. PAG 46
2. Aftermarket, I assume. Not sure what you should do there.
3. Add 3/4 oz for the expansion valve, to the compressor. Don't over think and don't get carried away here. The total oil charge is 7 oz, that's for everything combined. Those individual amounts are used if you only change that one component.

Thanks, Joegr.

That was my next question. I thought all oil was added to the compressor, just wanted to be sure.

Does single or double capped change anything regarding the PAG oil? I’ve read that the double is less prone to moisture absorption and recommended for Ford, but want to make sure I’m using the right kind for our application.

 

[joegr]

I don't think it makes much difference, but I could be wrong.

 

[Broseph]

I don't think it makes much difference, but I could be wrong.

I went double capped, no real difference as mentioned.

For adding the oil, where is the receiver/drier inlet that the oil is added too? Is this actually on the rec/drier, or at a peanut connector elsewhere? Everything besides the compressor requires filling at this point.

 

[joegr]

Just pour it into one of the openings in the top of the dryer.
I just filled the compressor and let it get pumped to everything else. Only the compressor needs oil, it's just that it's impossible to prevent some of it from migrating to everything else.