Page 1 of 1

adding dye for top-up?

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 10:24 am
by msrichmond
I have a DIY new system with about a 1000 miles on it. It works, thanks to help here but I'm refining it this winter by rotating the compressor 90 degrees to get hoses away from the exhaust manifold. It's a Sanden compressor with the "V" fittings.

I had the system evacuated at a shop ($56... very reasonable!). 28 oz of refrigerant and 1.5 oz of oil got pulled out.

The tech suggested adding dye before I put everything back together.

My question is: can I put in the small bottle of dye to make up for the 1.5 oz of oil removed into the oil filler hole on the compressor?

p.s. I did order a new receiver/dryer.

Re: adding dye for top-up?

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 6:29 am
by Cusser
Yes, that is a good time to add dye, add how much UV dye the label states, then add refrigerant oil to make up to that 1.5 oz. Then rotate the compressor drive plate about 10 revolutions by hand/wrench once it's all bolted up connected.

Re: adding dye for top-up?

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 8:24 am
by JohnHere
Don't install the entire bottle of fluorescent dye, though. Only a little bit, according to the label--typically about 1/4 fluid ounce--is enough. Make up the rest with the proper oil as previously advised.

Re: adding dye for top-up?

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 11:23 am
by msrichmond
Thank you all! I am assuming the hoses need to be connected before I rotate the compressor to distribute the oil (it has caps on the outlets at the moment).

Re: adding dye for top-up?

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2025 9:17 pm
by JohnHere
You are correct.

Re: adding dye for top-up?

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 7:58 am
by Tim
New Sanden will have oil in it. Add a dye directly to a port and then button up the system. It will mix once you start charging the systems. That's what I would do.