Ram A/C mechanic advice

[Brad4406]

I'd planned on puting the new A/C accumulator and compressor I bought on my 99 Ram 2500 w/ Cummins diesel. Problem is the Dodge manual states to drain the oil from the old compressor, measure it, then add the same amount to the new compressor. Problem is it leaked for a while before the compressor failed internally due to lack of lubrication. Only a small amount of oil came out of the old compressor when I drained it; I'd say not even .25 oz drained out. The manual states that the A/C System holds 8.1 oz, the accumulator holds 2 oz, the condenser holds 1 oz, and the evaporator holds 2 oz. Using the total system amount and subtracting the amounts for the accumulator, condenser, and evaporator would give an amount of 3.1 oz. I asked the Dodge dealership and they said just add 2 oz to the new compressor. I called the local auto shop that is going to flush the system for me and they said add 6 oz. I called the part store where I bought the compressor and they said all there books show to drain the old compressor like my manual does, but when I explained my idea of 3.1 oz and how I came up with it, they said they figured that was right.

Does somebody have the actual amount I should be adding to the new compressor?


Thank you in advance,

Brad

 

[dmoore]

Brad, you only need to add 2-3 ounces of the correct viscosity oil to your new compressor. If your new compressor has a full oil charge and your not flushing evap,condenser & all lines then invert it and drain all the oil you can only adding back through the suction port(larger)2-3 ounces, install the lines (with new seals) and be sure and rotate the compressor(outer plate)at least 10 times to clear the oil from the compressor swash plate and mechanism. This will ensure you don't hydra lock the compressor upon start up. Often times novices will install a new compressor with the total system oil charge having not flushed the system which will do one thing, lock up the new compressor(too much)remember it only pumps a vapor. Most all compressors will come with instructions on whether or not it contains oil. Common sense goes a long way! Don't forget to install a new accumulator! most compressor mfg's require this with a new compressor install and will not warranty if needed if it wasn't done......Good luck! Dave

 

[Brad4406]

Dave,

Thank you for the input. I'm installing the compressor now and will get it serviced next week.

Thanks,

Brad