DetroitAC wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:31 pm
The oil qty is determined for a complete system, not a compressor only. Oil qty is also very conservative, the factory amount is usually more than necessary.
Yes, I know. But we should keep in mind that this is a custom system composed of parts from a '65 Nova (OEM evaporator), an '06 Silverado (OEM Denso compressor), and possibly other new aftermarket parts, although the OP didn't specifically say. So the oil specification for this custom system will most likely vary from a '65 Nova factory system and an '06 Silverado factory system. However, I'm leaning toward the Silverado oil specification as being more in line for this custom R-134a system using the aforementioned components. In any case, it's somewhat of a guess, I think.
DetroitAC wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:31 pm
There is nothing wrong with 7.1 oz, sounds just fine, it's a random shot in the dark, but I suppose a front only car is ballpark the same size as a pickup.
If a '65 Nova factory A/C system with an A-6 takes roughly 11 ounces of oil and the '06 Silverado specs call for 7.1 ounces, it seems as though the latter amount is at least in range for the OP's custom system. So, yes, I agree with you.
DetroitAC wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:31 pm
I have no idea how you are calculating precise amounts to put into each component. In my world nothing is that well defined, a new car on the assembly line has 100% in the compressor, very first engagement has an unique cycling routine to pump it out slowly. IMHO as long as you aren't putting 100% in the suction port, things will be just fine, I personally wouldn't open known good connections to add oil, but there are lots of ways to skin a cat.
Let's just say that 7 ounces is the oil "sweet spot" for this particular custom system as deduced above. As I recall, the OP inferred that he had a hard time getting much oil in the compressor when he had it on the bench, let alone all 7.1 ounces, although I don't recall his mentioning exactly how much. So, let's presume he was able to pour in about 4 ounces, a relatively small amount, with approximately 3 ounces yet to be put in...
somewhere...leaving us with the evaporator, condenser, R/D, and lines/hoses as possible additional oil receptors.
The amounts I mentioned distributing into the components aren't absolute by any means, just a suggestion. So if one wanted to distribute, say, 1 ounce to the evaporator, 1/2 ounce to the condenser, 1/2 ounce to the R/D, and 1/2 ounce to each hose--or any other combination to make up the approximate 3-ounce compressor shortfall--seems fine to me.
In summation, I think we agree that we still need about 7 ounces of oil, in total, in this system for the compressor to stay "healthy." If the compressor will take only about 4 ounces maximum (or whatever amount it will take), then the rest will have to be distributed elsewhere regardless of what the manufacturers do on the assembly line.
Not disputing...just discussing for consideration.