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Hello everyone,
I’m replacing the AC system (Compressor, Condensor, Accumulator, Orifice tube, and AC Lines on a 1996 Chevy Caprice 5.7 V8.
From what I’ve read it’s custom to drain all of the oil out of the compressor and then refill based on the requirements of the system.
My shop manual even says drain all of the oil out of the new compressor and put in new PAG oil.
My only question is, the new compressor (4 seaons (www.4s.com) has warnings in 3 places, in the booklet it came with, on a label and on the shrink wrap around the compressor in the packaging saying NOT TO DRAIN THE OIL since it’s a small amount. They seem pretty serious about this.
“Compressors are shipped with assembly lube or ICE32 DO NOT DRAIN. add the correct type and amount of lubricant per system specifications”
Thoughts?
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It’s a tough call…. My belief: I would side with the manufacturer since they engineered the product and have inside knowledge into it’s design and operation. We can assume that the manufacturer is aware of the practice of draining oil and has for some reason advised against it. (if you designed something for example, I would be apt to take your word as to it’s proper use as opposed to a general and widely accepted practice) Also, straying from the manufacturer’s instructions could lead to warranty issues.
But I might be wrong.. it may be quite possible that there is no “right” or “wrong” answer here, just a better option.
I’m glad you brought that up, when I went to drain it, nothing came out. When they said “small amount of lubricant” they meant “small amount of lubricant”. It wasn’t until I added some pag150 to it that I was able to turn the compressor reasonably easy with a spanner wrench.
I figured it out. The ac works amazing now! I put the orifice tube before the condenser (basically just switched the lines on the condenser) and that was causing the whole problem.
After I changed the order so the orifice tube was after the condenser and before the evaporator it worked great!
The car wasn’t done with me though, the hood didn’t want to close. After much frustrated searching in 90 degree humid new york weather I realized the hood latch was moved closed preventing it from closing. duh..
So psyched right now!!!! banana:
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