| Author |
Message |
    
Allister Mannion
Yet to post message
Username: suecom
Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2025
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 September, 2025 - 19:56: |    |
I had an AC hose burst - spectacular - oil/coolant everywhere.
I'm installing a new POA, drier, expansion valve, but wonder if I should check/refill the compressor? Question is how? Do I have to take it out? I can't even be sure where the oil drain/fill ports are (looked everywhere - lots of contrary advice).
Please HELP |
Robert J. Sprauer
Frequent User
Username: wraithman
Post Number: 876
Registered: 11-2017
| | Posted on Tuesday, 16 September, 2025 - 22:38: | |
System must hold vacuum for at least 30 min. The drier, should be replaced along with a solvent flush of the condenser. Which POA are you installing. This could be the problem. They can freeze, clog the flow and over pressure the system.The POA regulates refrigerant and must be matched to the refrigerant used since R12 and R134a have different expansion properties. |
Allister Mannion
New User
Username: suecom
Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2025
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025 - 00:53: | |
Hi Robert,
Yes - I'm replacing POA valve, expansion valve, and drier. The new POA valve is a on/off replacement type (i.e. not a POA valve at all!) - just cycles the compressor. I've got a new hose (compressor to evaporator) so am ready to install everything (have a vacuum pump, etc.).
My only question is how much oil (if any) I should add (and where). The gas contains oil (as usual), so it's really only the compressor I'm concerned about; worried it emptied itelf in the pipe explosion.
I've found the drain plug (these old A6 compressor have a sump!), so could drain what oils left (if any) without removing the compressor, and I suppose I could then add oil via the the input port (while the hoses are off).
Question is: can I do this without removing the compressor? Looks like it, but it all depends on how much oil I should add???? I've read I should also turn over the compressor after adding oil. How would I do this with it installed (and the clutch disengaged)?
Just wondered if any amateur has been in this situation, and what did they do? |
Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey
Post Number: 2366
Registered: 05-2012
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025 - 02:29: | |
Personally I would take the compressor off. Since your system is stripped down anyway it should be a straight forward procedure. Just be careful how you lift it off as the compressor is heavy.
Trying to do this in-situ will forever leave you with the niggling thought you've got the wrong amount of oil in the system.
Just my opinion.
Oh, and yes - I am an amateur and in my case I was replacing the A6 compressor so I had to remove the old compressor anyway.
So much easier and more accurate on the bench. |
Allister Mannion
New User
Username: suecom
Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2025
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025 - 02:41: | |
Thanks for replying. Yes, I know you're right, the thing just weighs a ton (and I have to tension the belt again). I put this thing on about six months go - breaks my heart to have to do it again :-) |
Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey
Post Number: 2367
Registered: 05-2012
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025 - 06:32: | |
I know what you mean - I've had to repeat things on occasion. I usually walk away for a few days and let the enthusiasm build again.
I would also note Wraithman's suggestion on the other forum - flush your system to get any debris and old oil out. |
Allister Mannion
New User
Username: suecom
Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2025
| | Posted on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025 - 23:26: | |
Update: I took some advice from this forum and removed the compressor (2nd time in 2 months). Glad a did. Suspending it horizontally over a measure jug and removing the sump plug only saw a measly 20-30ml drip out (it's a bit black too!!). I'll now refill it with a good 150-175ml of fresh oil according to the workshop manual (after it's drained over night).
I've flushed a few of the pipes and they look fairly clean. The new POA, expansion, and drier receiver will all be good (new), so the only potentially grotty parts are the evaporator and condenser (and I'm not changing those unless I have to!).
I'm assuming the rest of the required oil (~125ml) will come from the new gas (when I refill). I doubt they'll be much left in the condenser or evaporator given the compressor's situation! |