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Quick A/C question

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by FamilyCar, Nov 13, 2010.

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  1. FamilyCar

    FamilyCar Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 26, 2007
    790
    Seattle, Wa
    Full Name:
    Peter Goodall
    #1 FamilyCar, Nov 13, 2010
    I'm reassembling my '87 Mondial after a timing belt change. The A/C compressor is attached to the system but disconnected and put aside for the moment. It has a Sanden SD-508 compressor. I know next to nothing about A/C systems other than how they work in theory.

    I want to confirm: From what I can tell from other threads and the Sanden service manual, I can't just open up the plug on the side to check/change the oil without losing all the refrigerant. Correct?

    The system was recharged a few years ago after a hose got abraded and works pretty well, but I don't know if oil would have been added at that time. The repair bill (I didn't own the car at the time) is low enough that I suspect no one got the compressor out enough to check the oil level, probably just connected under the front hood to recharge the system. Thoughts?

    Thanks so much--

    Peter
     
  2. ernieps

    ernieps Rookie

    Jun 1, 2010
    31
    New York USA
    #2 ernieps, Nov 13, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2010
    That is correct, you must remove compressor from system
    to check oil. Evacuate refrigerant in the proper manor,
    then drain oil from compressor and compare volume
    to label under hood or WSM. Add correct amount of new oil.
    And recharge. If it has been working for a few years, it is
    probably fine. But the only way to know for sure is as stated
    above.
     
  3. NW328GTS

    NW328GTS Formula 3

    Nov 16, 2009
    2,191
    Washington
    Full Name:
    Hal
    #3 NW328GTS, Nov 13, 2010
    Not only what Ernie said... but the oil actually mixes with the freon gas and moves around in the system. The only way to really tell if you have the right amount is to evacuate the system completely, replace the reciever/dryer, add in the correct amount of oil, pull a good solid vacuum for a couple hours and then fill with new freon.

    If its working well... I wouldnt stress about it... if you get it serviced and have some freon added... add freon that has been premixed with refrigerant oil.
     
  4. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    #4 Steve King, Nov 13, 2010
    I guess I would ask a few questions prior to opening the system. First , do we assume that the system worked before you did the timing belt job? If so why would you want to check the oil? If the system has a leak then you should evacuate , fix it and check the oil at that time. No need to check the oil if the system had been working.
     
  5. FamilyCar

    FamilyCar Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 26, 2007
    790
    Seattle, Wa
    Full Name:
    Peter Goodall
    #5 FamilyCar, Nov 13, 2010
    Thanks for the replies.

    The system seems to work all right, I was only asking because the compressor is very accessible now. If it is something that could just be checked, this would have been the time to do so.

    As I don't intend to evacuate the system, I'll do nothing at this time.

    Thanks again.

    Peter
     

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