Replacing AC System Oil

[Bailes1992]

who needs ac in the uk?

It's 90°F at the moment, so certainly required.

And yes, I had to google what 30°c was in pickup trucks.

Although admittedly, the A/C is mainly used for demisting windows in colder months.

 

[Silver]

From what I gather, the amount of oil in a system at any given time is a mystery and there's really no way to know if you're low or high.

The oil circulates through the system with the refrigerant correct? Or does it somehow stay in the components? I don't see how it could.

 

[wtd]

Probably one of the better ways to detect a leak in the system is pressurize the system with nitrogen and use a bottle of soapy water and spray all hose connections, connections at all of the components in the system and any area that looks oily. A sniffer is probably the only way to try and detect a leak in the evaporator and you will have to use that at the drain for it.

As far as adding oil, there is no way to determine how much oil is left in the system if you have a leak. Most of the systems that I've worked on have a total oil capacity of about 8 oz and that is spread out between all of the major components. I wouldn't add more than an ounce or two if you think it's low.

 

[Jetronic]

From what I gather, the amount of oil in a system at any given time is a mystery and there's really no way to know if you're low or high.

The oil circulates through the system with the refrigerant correct? Or does it somehow stay in the components? I don't see how it could.

It circulates if you use the right oil with the right refrigerant

 

[Bailes1992]

STP have confirmed the top-up I used didn't contain any dye which is a shame.

Debating whether or not to purchase Liquimoly 20736 which is a compatible oil that contains a dye or just to purchase a specific dye kit to put in the system.