Contents Section: General Servicing - All Makes All sections

A/c Compressor Oil Checking GMC Sonoma Syclone

ISOLATING COMPRESSOR

Note. For compressor application, see A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section.

Note. Only compressors with stem-type service valves can be isolated.

  1. Connect manifold gauge set to compressor service valves. Ensure valves on gauge set are closed. Place both valves on compressor in the mid-position. Start engine and operate air conditioning.
  2. Slowly turn compressor suction valve clockwise toward closed (front-seated) position. When suction pressure is reduced to zero, turn engine and compressor off and quickly turn suction valve stem inward to the full front-seated position. Turn discharge valve into front-seated position.
  3. Loosen oil level plug to release internal pressure in the compressor. Compressor is now isolated from the rest of the system and service valves can be removed from the compressor.

REFRIGERANT OIL

Only new, pure, moisture-free refrigerant oil should be used in air conditioning systems. This oil is highly refined and dehydrated to a point where moisture content is less than 10 parts per million. Oil container must be tightly closed at all times when not in use, or moisture will be absorbed into the refrigerant oil from the air.

DISCHARGING SYSTEM

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

If compressor has stem-type service valves, it can be isolated and removed without discharging entire system. Otherwise, discharge system completely using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment before loosening any fittings.

DISCONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS

After system is discharged, carefully clean area around all fittings to be opened. Always use 2 wrenches when tightening or loosening fittings to avoid twisting or distorting lines. Some refrigerant lines are connected with a coupling. Special tools are required for disconnecting theses lines. Cap or plug all openings as soon as lines are removed. DO NOT remove caps until immediately before connections are made to prevent entry of air and moisture.

CONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS

A new gasket or "O" ring should be used in all instances when connecting lines or fittings. Coat "O" ring with refrigerant oil and ensure it is not twisted during installation. Always use 2 wrenches to prevent damage to lines and fittings.

PLACING SYSTEM IN OPERATION

After component service or replacement has been completed and all connections have been made, evacuate system thoroughly with an evacuation (vacuum) pump. Charge system with proper amount of refrigerant and perform a leak test. See A/C SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS article in the AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT section. After system has been leak tested, check system operation.

Note. Air conditioning systems will not normally need additional refrigerant oil unless definite oil loss has occurred due to ruptured lines, leaking compressor seals, compressor overhaul or component replacement

HARRISON HR-6/HR-6-HE, HR100T/HR110T, R-4 & V-5 OIL CHECK

  1. Operate system for several minutes to stabilize system before performing repairs. Turn off engine, discharge system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and remove compressor. Drain and measure oil.
  2. If no oil leak exists and more than one ounce is drained, replace it with the same amount of new oil. If less than one ounce is drained, replace it with 2 ounces.
  3. If air conditioning components are replaced, additional refrigerant oil will need to be added to the system. Add following amounts if components are changed: 3.5 ounces for accumulator, 3 ounces for evaporator or one ounce for condenser. Install drain plug and compressor. Evacuate and recharge system. Perform leak test.

NIPPONDENSO 10PA17 & 10PA20 COMPRESSOR OIL CHECKING

  1. Slowly discharge system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Remove A/C compressor and drain compressor oil. Measure amount drained and discard oil.
  2. If no leaks exists, install amount of oil removed plus an additional one ounce. If excessive leak exists, remove accumulator and drain oil. Measure amount drained and discard oil.
  3. If amount drained is less than 3 ounces, add 3 ounces. If amount drained is more than 3 ounces, add amount that was drained. If system components are changed, add specified amount. See 10PA17 COMPONENT REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES table.

10PA17 & 10PA20 COMPONENT OIL CAPACITIES

ComponentOunces
Compressor(1)
Condenser1.0
Evaporator3.0
Accumulator3.5
(1) Drain compressor and add amount of drained oil plus an additional one ounce.
(1)Drain compressor and add amount of drained oil plus an additional one ounce.

10PA17 & 10PA20 COMPONENT OIL CAPACITIES