Oil leak from evaporator case
July 3rd, 2011, 10:43 AM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 11,798
Oil leak from evaporator case
Yep, there has been this slow oil leak which has been dripping for a LONG time, and is still dripping.
There is an "oil return" line that comes from the evaporator but the CSM does not mention it much.
How does this work and why have I not seen this in other AC applications?
The system has refrigerant in it, not sure how much. Is the bottom of the evap always full of oil? Why there and not the compressor?
I assume this oil line is under system pressure and I am almost guessing that much of the oil has leaked out from a break, causing the compressor to be harder to turn as a result.
Recon the compressor is still good if this is true?
The AC once worked, but not well and the compressor gradually got harder to turn, with squealing belts being common.
Trying to figure out if this system is worth repairing or just replace the whole thing and be done with it.
There is an "oil return" line that comes from the evaporator but the CSM does not mention it much.
How does this work and why have I not seen this in other AC applications?
The system has refrigerant in it, not sure how much. Is the bottom of the evap always full of oil? Why there and not the compressor?
I assume this oil line is under system pressure and I am almost guessing that much of the oil has leaked out from a break, causing the compressor to be harder to turn as a result.
Recon the compressor is still good if this is true?
The AC once worked, but not well and the compressor gradually got harder to turn, with squealing belts being common.
Trying to figure out if this system is worth repairing or just replace the whole thing and be done with it.
July 3rd, 2011, 01:02 PM
#2
Always something to do Rob! Hopefully your compressor didn't starve for oil and it still turns freely and quietly. If not, you'll be replacing that too.
I have the same problem with my 71. I am assuming the evaporator has a leak in it and the oil is seeping out from it. My next project too, just waiting for Rock Auto to get them back in stock.
I have the same problem with my 71. I am assuming the evaporator has a leak in it and the oil is seeping out from it. My next project too, just waiting for Rock Auto to get them back in stock.
July 3rd, 2011, 01:24 PM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
There's always a little bit of oil all over the system, a bit more near the bottom than near the top, thanks to gravity, but it's dissolved in the freon and circulates with it.
With the system not used for a period of time, the oil will pool at the low points, and if you've got pressure in the system, it will push the oil out if there's a microscopic hole near the bottom.
If your compressor is hard to turn by hand, you'll need to rebuild or replace it. It should turn fairly easily, like any compressor - smooth, but varying as the pistons compress their cylinders.
- Eric
With the system not used for a period of time, the oil will pool at the low points, and if you've got pressure in the system, it will push the oil out if there's a microscopic hole near the bottom.
If your compressor is hard to turn by hand, you'll need to rebuild or replace it. It should turn fairly easily, like any compressor - smooth, but varying as the pistons compress their cylinders.
- Eric
July 3rd, 2011, 01:39 PM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 601
Oil circulates through the system. Atomizes into fine droplets and is carried with the refrigerant. Remove the compressor and drain the oil. measure how many ounces are left. Compare to OE specification to see how much is missing. If compressor turn by hand, pour in speciffied amount/type of new oil and re-install compressor. Fix evap leak. Evacuate to 700 microns. Re-charge refrigerant to OE specifications.
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