a/c condenser replacement

[MadCityRich]

Hello,

I'm hoping the brain trust can help a bit. I'm in the middle of replacing my a/c condenser and receiver/dryer on my 2002 ltd.

Something I'm not clear on - the repair manual and receiver/dryer both mention adding 0.7 oz of PAG oil (46). It's less clear on the condenser. The repair manual says to add 1.4-1.7 oz of oil to the compressor, with no such instructions with the condenser. But I've also seen general information about adding oil to the condenser. In searching on the forum, I didn't see anyone mentioning adding oil to the condenser.

I'll be taking this to an a/c shop or the dealer to get recharged. The dealer evacuated the system for me, but I'm not really sure how much oil may or may not be in the system. I'll be keeping track of how much oil I add and tell the shop how much I add, but I'm a bit concerned about too much oil getting into the system if I add it to the condenser. There is definitely oil in the system as it continues to drip even after the evacuation.

Thanks much for any help or pointers.

MadCityRich
2002 Ltd
255/75/17
Shrockworks bumper
SS 1.7 lift
231mm calipers
Stubbs sliders
seeping valve cover gaskets

 

[AZBub]

I just replaced the compressor, condenser, orifice tube on a different vehicle. The compressor was factory filled with the right amount of oil for the system on this particular vehicle.


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[LittleCaesar]

I have to ask MadCity what tools you have available while replacing the parts.

Here is one way/ Considering you aren't touching the compressor, very little oil:
Help with adding oil to AC system | IH8MUD Forum

 

[TheDurk]

I haven't had to touch my 4Runner (knock on wood), but I had to swap the condenser and receiver/drier on my sons '99 BMW 323i 'vert when he hit a 'coon. I used the guidelines in the attached and dumped 2 oz. of PAG-46 in the new receiver/drier (one for the condenser and one for the drier), vacuumed it out, and charged to spec. Two years later still working perfectly. To my surprise, the BMW used the same Denso compressor as the 4Runner, so the systems are somewhat similar.

http://www.technicalchemical.com/techsupport/lubricantguide4.pdf

 

[MadCityRich]

Thanks for the pointers. I'll just add to the receiver/dryer and move on. When I take it to the shop for vacuum and recharge, I'll just mention it and see if they'd advise one thing or other. Doesn't look like I need to add anything to the condenser.

To respond to LittleCaesar, I have the basic tools for taking the stuff apart and putting it back together. I didn't do the original evacuation of refrigerant and won't be doing the charge. I'm not ready to be an A/C technician. But the estimate to get the bits replaced was a bit high for my taste, so I'm taking on the most labor intensive parts. Plus, with the Schrockworks bumper, a shop would also have to remove it in order to remove the grill. No sense paying for that extra shop time.

MadCityRich

 

[LittleCaesar]

I would say between 1 to 2 oz of oil and you should be good to go.

No need to throw away money.

Let us know how cold it is once everything is in working order.

 

[nissanh]

BMW uses Denso parts now

I haven't had to touch my 4Runner (knock on wood), but I had to swap the condenser and receiver/drier on my sons '99 BMW 323i 'vert when he hit a 'coon. I used the guidelines in the attached and dumped 2 oz. of PAG-46 in the new receiver/drier (one for the condenser and one for the drier), vacuumed it out, and charged to spec. Two years later still working perfectly. To my surprise, the BMW used the same Denso compressor as the 4Runner, so the systems are somewhat similar.

http://www.technicalchemical.com/techsupport/lubricantguide4.pdf

BMW X5 has its switchers from Denso.

 

[TheDurk]

Thanks for the pointers. I'll just add to the receiver/dryer and move on. When I take it to the shop for vacuum and recharge, I'll just mention it and see if they'd advise one thing or other. Doesn't look like I need to add anything to the condenser.

To respond to LittleCaesar, I have the basic tools for taking the stuff apart and putting it back together. I didn't do the original evacuation of refrigerant and won't be doing the charge. I'm not ready to be an A/C technician. But the estimate to get the bits replaced was a bit high for my taste, so I'm taking on the most labor intensive parts. Plus, with the Schrockworks bumper, a shop would also have to remove it in order to remove the grill. No sense paying for that extra shop time.

MadCityRich

With the right coupons you can get a 2-stage vacuum pump and a set of gauges from Harbor Freight less than $200 and evacuate and charge yourself. The gauges you should have anyway and the pump will pay for itself and then some the second time you use it. I've used mine three times so I'm way ahead.

But you do have to do your homework to get it all right.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

The method I use for this specific job is simply to drain out the pag oil in a separate container and measure what comes out. It worked for me in the past ..