Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Greetings!

In an earlier post I got good info here on my project re-doing the A/C in our grocery getter Chevy Aveo with high miles. We rounded up a new condenser, expansion valve and new (not rebuilt) compressor. We flushed out the lines which were nice and clear beforehand, and checked the suction screen on our existing compressor for debris and it was nice and clean.

I am a bit confused with the instructions that came with the new compressor from Advance Auto Parts, as it states the compressor is pre-filled with oil and do not drain. It then went on to say add the appropriate amount of oil to the compressor and system as per manufacturers specs. Wouldn't this cause the system to have too much oil in it? The entire system oil capacity is 6.8 oz.

I'm suspecting the instructions are wrong, and I should drain the new compressor of whatever amount of oil is in it and simply add the proper 6.8 oz, splitting the amount between the compressor and evaporator. Would I be correct in doing that?

Thanks for any help!

Fred in St. Pete Florida

Correction...I meant splitting the amount of oil with the compressor and condenser.

"Assuming" you're starting with a dry system without any oil in it, you can drain the compressor and add 6.8 fluid ounces back into it to ensure it has the correct amount for the entire system.

If you're NOT starting with a dry system--i.e., the evaporator (or other components) aren't new and/or haven't been flushed, then you would need to oil-balance the system, which has been discussed extensively on this Forum in the recent past.

Or, you should contact the compressor supplier for the appropriate advice.