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!

I don't remember the exact weight but it says it on the sticker under the hood. I think it was like 550g +/-50 for r134. you probably don't need to add oil unless youre replacing the compressor or another large component. if so just put some into the part directly before install. not much should be needed if any.

Yeah... I'm just replacing the High Pressure (liquid) line on the front of the condenser that goes into the firewall to the expansion valve (Part # 88710-35750 or 88710E at the dealership). I wasn't initially worried about the oil, but on day 3 of our trip I noticed a "significant amount" of oil on the bumper. I'm guessing no more than a few grams, as with any oil - any amount looks like a bunch since it spreads across the surface of whatever it gets on. I'm leaning towards not worrying about it, but I'm also not wanting to cause future problems.

FWIW - the FSM (attached below) only mentions adding oil when replacing compressor or compressor clutch. At which point, it is drained out completely and then re-added to the correct amount (4.61 fluid ounces total = 4.1 fl oz in the compressor and 0.51 fl oz in the clutch)

Attached Images

2016 4Runner AC Compressor Oil.pdf (460.6 KB, 588 views)