Contents Section: General Servicing - All Makes All sections

A/c Compressor Oil Checking Dodge Aries I

General Servicing - All Makes 1 illustration ~670 words

COMPRESSOR OIL CHECK - GENERAL PROCEDURES

CAUTIONWhen discharging air conditioning system, use only approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Make every attempt to avoid discharging refrigerant into the atmosphere.

Some models have compressor-mounted service valves that allow oil checking by isolating the compressor. On all others, system must be discharged and compressor may need to be removed to check oil. After oil level is checked and adjusted, A/C system must be evacuated and recharged.

ISOLATING COMPRESSOR

  1. Connect manifold gauge set to service valves on compressor. Close both gauge valves. Open both service valves to the mid-position.
  2. Start engine and operate air conditioning. Turn suction service valve slowly clockwise toward front-seated position. When suction pressure is reduced to zero or less, stop engine and quickly close suction service valve (front-seated).
  3. Front-seat the discharge valve. Loosen oil check plug slowly to release any internal pressure. Service valves can now be removed from compressor and compressor removed from vehicle (if necessary). Purge compressor after servicing.

PURGING COMPRESSOR

  1. Remove gauge set and place caps on service valve ports. Back-seat the suction service valve to allow refrigerant to enter compressor.
  2. Loosen discharge port valve slightly. Loosen valve port cap to allow refrigerant to force out air from compressor. Back-seat the discharge valve and tighten the port cap. Compressor is ready for service.

REFRIGERATION OIL

Only new, pure, moisture-free refrigeration oil should be used in the air conditioning system. This oil is highly refined and dehydrated (moisture content less than 10 parts per million). Refrigeration oil container must be kept tightly closed at all times when not in use, or moisture will be absorbed from the air and introduced into the refrigeration system.

CHRYSLER MOTORS VEHICLES WITH C-171 6-CYLINDER COMPRESSOR

When inspecting the system to determine oil loss, check for signs of leaking (a wet, shiny looking spot on system components). If a component is removed after the system has been operated, some oil will remain in the component. If oil leak is noted or component replacement is required, oil will have to be restored to original level, as follows

DURING SYSTEM DISCHARGING

  1. Slowly discharge system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Disconnect refrigerant hoses at compressor. Remove compressor mounting bolts, and remove compressor.
  2. Remove suction port on top of compressor, and drain oil. Add proper amount of refrigerant oil to compressor (total system capacity minus amount retained in components that have not been replaced). See C-171 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES table below.
  3. Install compressor. Evacuate and recharge A/C system. Perform leak test.
ComponentOunces
Condenser1.0
Evaporator
Front2.0
Rear (If Equipped)2.0
Receiver-Drier1.0

C-171 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

DURING COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT

Discharge system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. A new compressor contains 9-10 ounces of new refrigeration oil. To prevent possible damage or loss of cooling capacity due to excessive oil in system, drain 4 ounces of the oil from new compressor prior to installing it. This will maintain total system charge of 9-10 ounces.

DURING COMPONENT REPLACEMENT

When replacing components other than (or in addition to) the compressor, oil must be added to new component to maintain system charge at 9-10 ounces. If evaporator is replaced, add 2 ounces to new evaporator prior to installation. If condenser is replaced, add one ounce to new condenser. If filter-drier is replaced, add one ounce to new filter-drier.

IF LEAK IS SUSPECTED OR COMPONENTS ARE REMOVED FROM SYSTEM

Discharge system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and remove components as necessary. Remove suction and discharge lines from compressor. Remove compressor and clutch assembly from vehicle. Turn compressor upside down, and drain oil from suction and discharge ports. Add 5 ounces of new oil to compressor and reinstall. Add refrigeration oil to other replacement components as specified during component replacement.

Chrysler/Nippondenso 6-Cylinder Compressor Oil Checking. Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Chrysler/Nippondenso 6-Cylinder Compressor Oil Checking

COMPRESSOR FAILURE & SYSTEM CONTAMINATED

If either of these situations exists, discharge system and remove compressor, receiver-drier and "H" valve. Inspect "H" valve screen for contaminants. Clean and replace as necessary. Flush entire system. Install a new compressor (if necessary) and a new receiver-drier. New compressors are charged with proper amount of oil, 9-10 ounces. If reinstalling old compressor, add 9-10 ounces of new refrigeration oil through suction port. Evacuate and charge system.