recharging AC after condenser replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: new york
recharging AC after condenser replacement
hi again guys, got another dumb question, i cant seem to find the answer though.
my condenser was damaged, so i replaced it. now, do i just turn the AC on and attach the can to the low side port and all is well? i read in a couple spots about needing to create a vacuum? wont that happen if the clutch engages and starts circulating? im not sure how to proceed.
my condenser was damaged, so i replaced it. now, do i just turn the AC on and attach the can to the low side port and all is well? i read in a couple spots about needing to create a vacuum? wont that happen if the clutch engages and starts circulating? im not sure how to proceed.
You cant just throw it on there like that. You need to install a new dryer, dump all the oil out of the compressor and fill it. Then assemble everything and Yes, pull 30.5inhg of vacuum for at least an hour but if its been exposed to the elements for months, longer like 4 hours.
The reason is moisture. Moisture in the R134A turns to acid and destroys everything. Pulling a vacuum removes the moisture. Then you can fill it but it has to be the right volume and or balance for the immediate ambient temp, suction side vacuum and head pressure. Too low it won't cool. Too high it kills the compressor.
Do some research and reading on this one.
PS the reason I say fresh oil for the compressor is you have no idea how much was lost with the core swap.
Also, old refrigerator pumps make great cheap vacuum sources or you can rent one or just pay.
The reason is moisture. Moisture in the R134A turns to acid and destroys everything. Pulling a vacuum removes the moisture. Then you can fill it but it has to be the right volume and or balance for the immediate ambient temp, suction side vacuum and head pressure. Too low it won't cool. Too high it kills the compressor.
Do some research and reading on this one.
PS the reason I say fresh oil for the compressor is you have no idea how much was lost with the core swap.
Also, old refrigerator pumps make great cheap vacuum sources or you can rent one or just pay.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 418
Likes: 66
From: Texas
Yeah you should definatelyput a vacuum on it and suck out any **** that might be in the system. AutoZone has them for use.
Here is a link.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...nd-top-up.html
Here is a link.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...nd-top-up.html
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: new york
Yeah you should definatelyput a vacuum on it and suck out any **** that might be in the system. AutoZone has them for use.
Here is a link.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...nd-top-up.html
Here is a link.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...nd-top-up.html
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: new york
update: thanks to the input form you guys , i got the vacuum at autozone to use for free, and went to harbor frieght and got the AC gauges. i watched a couple you tube videos, and my air is as cold as when it rolled out of japan. thanks alot!
You put a dryer in it or do anything with the oil?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: new york
yes, i got the proper oil and i did a few caps full. i couldnt find how much to put in it, so i thought being short was better then nothing at all. a dryer, no, i dont know what that is
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Look on rockauto you will see. If you ever have to make repairs, replace it and pull a vacuum on the system. Moisture in the system will kill it faster than anything else.
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