AC rebuild question

I rebuilt the entire system except the lines. New compressor, condenser, TXV, evaporator, dryer, all O ring seals even the heater core. The last install is the compressor. Wow, the instructions are crap, The spec sheet says there is already a charge of PAG oil in the compressor but the instructions say to add oil. This cant be right. I drained the new compressor and did that so so I would be sure it had the right oil and right amount and to insure that it wasn't just filled with a shipping oil.

Before I rebuilt the system I ran a vacuum on it for 30 minutes. Due to a leaky evaporator there was no refrigerant left in the system so I didn't have to worry about recovery.

Questions:

1. Do I have to account for any leftover PAG oil in the lines or do I charge the compressor with the full system recommended 3.51 ounces per the 4runner spec? I don't want to under or over fill the compressor or system.

2. The compressor has the typical low and high side ports and a oil drain plug. Does all 3.5 ounces go into the fill port or does it go partially in the fill port and partially in the low side port?

PS: the product support from A-Premium was really bad. The guy couldn't answer simple questions regarding whether the part number was correct and the part about the PAG oil amount went right over his head. Very frustrating when the spec sheet and instructions don't agree.

Thanks,

Nikko

 

I know you have a 5th Gen but here's a great video on recharging the AC system for a 4th Gen and should be much the same if not exactly the same.

https://youtu.be/Pdq8JAlct6s?si=i2vEuNEkTdfw2V7z

 

Welcome

 

Thanks, but I have done a recharge before, this is a complete rebuild and new compressor install. My question is specific to calculating the proper oil charge.

 

I believe he explains that in the video because he just replaced the compressor in a prior video and he shows adding the oil.

 

welcome

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

I had the same issue when I replaced the compressor and receiver/drier on my old '94 Pickup. I replaced the compressor BECAUSE it was leaking badly and there was barely any oil left in it. I'm not proud to admit that I guesstimated the oil amount. I drained as much oil as I could from the new Denso Compressor and it was about 2 1/2 ounces. Some (I forget the exact amount from the instructions) oil had to go in the drier, so I figured a hair under two ounces was an appropriate amount to go back in the compressor. I'd rather have a bit less oil than too much because I needed to leave enough room for the correct refrigerant amount. I lucked out because the system took the correct amount of R134a and the compressor is whisper quiet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd2QYbO1OEw