R134 and compressor oil

[mjoekingz28]

Hey, on my Saturn when I got it in November of 08 the AC didnt work. The PO/my brother said they just recharged it at the beginning of every summer and it lasted till fall. Well, last year I just toughed it out and didnt mess with it, but yesterday we tried charging it.

My dad already had an old hose and I bought two 12oz cans (car calls for 1.5lbs). Each can was 1oz oil and 11oz freon. We got just enough in there for the compressor to kick on, but not much else. He found the hose to be defective so he got me a 18oz can w/new hose from AZ. It is 17oz freon and 1oz oil.

My Q is how much oil should I have in there? IT works now, but if it needs recharging can I just buy the $6 can of 100% freon from walmart or do I need the $11 can with 11oz freon and 1oz oil. The sticker under the hood just says 1.5lbs or R134A.

thanks alot

 

[Trav]

Sounds like there is no way to tell what's in there now.
It obviously has a leak that needs to be repaired.
I would go to a reputable A/C shop they will drain it vacuum it down,check for leaks and repair then refill with the correct oil in the correct amount and recharge.

There are different oil types and weights,normally unless there was a catastrophic leak there is no oil loss from the compressor itself.

Running with to much/little oil or over charged can blow the compressor.IMO bite the bullet now and get the repair while the cost is still low.

Edit A/C is not something that is easily repaired at home.
special equipment and testing is required to perform the repair properly.

 

[willix]

The R134A will vaporize away while the oil in the system doesn't. Unless you see the lubricant where it seeped out. The oil usually remains and is not nessesary to add. Too much oil may cause problems. The oil gravitates so if the leak is found low its possible some loss may have occured. I think the oil charged maintenance freon dose would not over lube it and is probably not a problem. The concern would increase if the system had no pressure and would need evacuation & further service.