Air Conditioning Question
06-05-2004, 08:22 PM
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Air Conditioning Question Due to a damaged a/c condenser, I am forced to remove my old condenser and replace it with a new one, unfortunately to do this I had to discharge my entire a/c system. I have the tools and equiptment to go about recharging it myself, I just need to know how much 134a is needed for correct operation, plus i dont want to over-charge the system. The owners manual says to check a label under the hood for more info on recharging the system. Unfortunately my car has had an aftermarket paintjob and the sticker is either covered or has been removed. Does anyone know how much 134a it requires, or could someone with a 98 z28 go look under the hood and see if they have the right sticker? thanks! 
06-08-2004, 12:01 PM
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dont worry, I have the equiptment and knowledge to do it, Its just that i do not posess the origional air lid, so I didnt know how much 134a to use. Thanks for your concern though.
06-08-2004, 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by P Mack
When i had mine recharged the computer said 24 oz refrigerant and 9 oz of oil.
Adding to much oil in a system will kill performance.
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06-09-2004, 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by wrencher
The oil remains in the system when empty.Amounts should only be added if a componet is replaced that normall holds system oil,or some is captured during the refrigrant recovery process.
Adding to much oil in a system will kill performance.
Adding to much oil in a system will kill performance.
He is replacing the compressor.
06-09-2004, 10:29 PM
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wrencher
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When you pull a system down you get little if any oil back from a normal system. The compressor will come with directions for amount of clean oil to add.
They'll want you to drain oil compressor into grauted container.Then add same amount.It dependant upon how much oil you get out of the old one, the directions should be clear.
Other componets in system will retain oil. If you replace them you lose that oil. A drier for instance will generally hold about 1 oz. of oil. Then if your compressor blew up you need to flush the system this will remove oil also.
Once the system is run you cannot get it totally empty of oil the majority will remain in the system.
They'll want you to drain oil compressor into grauted container.Then add same amount.It dependant upon how much oil you get out of the old one, the directions should be clear.
Other componets in system will retain oil. If you replace them you lose that oil. A drier for instance will generally hold about 1 oz. of oil. Then if your compressor blew up you need to flush the system this will remove oil also.
Once the system is run you cannot get it totally empty of oil the majority will remain in the system.
06-09-2004, 10:51 PM
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Correct me if im wrong, but i dont think i have to worry about the oil, because i have not had to mess with my compressor. I merely have to install a new condenser, because of a slight front underbody collision 
I think i should only have to reinstall the condenser pull a vacuum on the system for a few hours, and then out in the reccomended amount of r134a. I have found out since starting this thread that this amount is 24oz. A BIG round of thanks to everyone who took the time to read this thread and help me out! 
I think i should only have to reinstall the condenser pull a vacuum on the system for a few hours, and then out in the reccomended amount of r134a. I have found out since starting this thread that this amount is 24oz. A BIG round of thanks to everyone who took the time to read this thread and help me out!
06-09-2004, 11:13 PM
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If the condenser was rupted & a quick release of the refrigerant occured you prolly lost some oil.
The condesnser will hold .5-1 oz of oil, is the generall rule of thumb.
Then most times with system repair you should replace the drier, there's another ounce of oil.
If you run it low on oil you can blow the compressor, to much you lose performance.
Also keep in mind the drier left to open atmoshere for 15 min & it's junk once it absorbs moisture its junk. The refrigerant pag oil is also hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture as well, so leaving the system open to the air is bad.
All these things have to be kept in mind when servicing A/C systems.
The difference can be a trouble free system with consistant performance.
A moisture ladden system will usually kill compressors eventually & performance falls off with heat humitity/load on system.
The condesnser will hold .5-1 oz of oil, is the generall rule of thumb.
Then most times with system repair you should replace the drier, there's another ounce of oil.
If you run it low on oil you can blow the compressor, to much you lose performance.
Also keep in mind the drier left to open atmoshere for 15 min & it's junk once it absorbs moisture its junk. The refrigerant pag oil is also hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture as well, so leaving the system open to the air is bad.
All these things have to be kept in mind when servicing A/C systems.
The difference can be a trouble free system with consistant performance.
A moisture ladden system will usually kill compressors eventually & performance falls off with heat humitity/load on system.
06-09-2004, 11:19 PM
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The condenser never leaked due to the collision. My pops slowly vented the system of any pressure. The condenser actually has no leaks, which is amazing to me, due to the fact that it is some what bent and wont fasten correctly to my new radiator. To be sure i suppose i should check the oil level in the compressor. Well, due to the fact that you guys seem fairly worried about this process, and it is starting to get more complicated, I think im just gonna have my pops do this. He has quite a bit of A/C experience, and it was his equiptment i was gonna borrow in the first place. I appreciate all ur guys help! any more advice on this matter is always welcome!
06-10-2004, 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by natronathon
Correct me if im wrong, but i dont think i have to worry about the oil, because i have not had to mess with my compressor. I merely have to install a new condenser, because of a slight front underbody collision
06-10-2004, 10:21 PM
#14
Originally Posted by natronathon
The condenser never leaked due to the collision. My pops slowly vented the system of any pressure. The condenser actually has no leaks, which is amazing to me, due to the fact that it is some what bent and wont fasten correctly to my new radiator. To be sure i suppose i should check the oil level in the compressor. Well, due to the fact that you guys seem fairly worried about this process, and it is starting to get more complicated, I think im just gonna have my pops do this. He has quite a bit of A/C experience, and it was his equiptment i was gonna borrow in the first place. I appreciate all ur guys help! any more advice on this matter is always welcome!
