The Unanswered Question:
How would I know how much PAG46 Oil to add back into the system once I have repaired a leak???
Original Problem: aftermarket bumper + unexperienced installer (me) + HP refrigerant line + lots of bouncing off road = massive hole (AKA refrigerant and Compressor Oil Leak)
Background on what happened: This took place after 30,000 miles of pretty extreme use. 100% my fault. However the problem began while we were getting ready for a 3000 mile trip. I used the crappy "low pressure refrigerant refills" to recharge the system, but I didn't find the leak until we were 1/2 way out to our destination. I "repaired" the leak with a bit of fuel hose and some hose clamps. That lasted 3 days. The trip home was brutal (Texas 90° weather). Over the course of 9 days we went through 4 bottles of STP AC Repair (with "stop leak") that I now know was not a good idea. During that time I noticed that there was oil on the bumper below the leak. Now I also know that was the compressor oil.
Where I'm at now... That was last week. Now I finally have the new line, a vacuum pump, gauge manifold, straight r134a, a small bottle of PAG46 oil, and a new dryer/filter pack. I'm going to try to enact the repair today, but I am really afraid of adding too much oil to the system before charging it.
I'm going to hopefully document this all in a YouTube video to help others in the future. I know there are a few videos out there, but I had some unanswered questions that I will definitely be including in my video - including how to change the dryer pack and filter (and why you should). My question above is the last question I had before starting down the road to full repair.
Also: I sent a direct message to our resident AC guy (@), but I also wanted to pose the question to the forum as well...
CHEERS!