I recently had the compressor fail on my F150 while on a trip. I replaced the compressor in parking lot to get home then after got home I replaced accumulator/dryer and orifice tube. The new compressor said it came with proper amount t of PAG 46 oil already in it and I drained the old accumulator. It had no oil in it so I added 1 oz. to new one. (thought rule was whatever you get out + 1oz. I vacuumed system and charged it. Low pressure was 32-33psi and high was ~160lbs (I am not 100% of high pressure actually I forget). Air from vents on max cold was about 10 degree C at idle. Everything fine for one day then low pressure hose from accumulator to evap blew off. I guess I didn't get the quick disconnect engaged properly. Clip installed and I felt/heard it click but????? Anyhow blew Freon and oil all over. I replaced o-rings and didn't know how much oil it blew out so I added 1.5oz. to system and vacuumed/recharged. Everything was back to way it was and blows cold. I noticed tonight after driving on highway and was 1/2 way home the compressor was noisy. Got home and listen to compressor at idle and was quiet again. Do you think it is low on oil? How do I know if it has too much or not enough oil?I recently had the compressor fail on my F150 while on a trip. I replaced the compressor in parking lot to get home then after got home I replaced accumulator/dryer and orifice tube. The new compressor said it came with proper amount t of PAG 46 oil already in it and I drained the old accumulator. It had no oil in it so I added 1 oz. to new one. (thought rule was whatever you get out + 1oz. I vacuumed system and charged it. Low pressure was 32-33psi and high was ~160lbs (I am not 100% of high pressure actually I forget). Air from vents on max cold was about 10 degree C at idle. Everything's fine for one day then low pressure hose from accumulator to evap blew off. I guess I didn't get the quick disconnect engaged properly. Clip installed and I felt/heard it click but????? Anyhow blew Freon and oil all over. I replaced o-rings and didn't know how much oil it blew out so I added 1.5oz. to system and vacuumed/recharged. Everything was back to way it was and blows cold. I noticed tonight after driving on highway and was 1/2 way home the compressor was noisy. Got home and listen to compressor at idle and was quiet again. Do you think it is low on oil? How do I know if it has too much or not enough oil?

 

At this point I would take the system down and flush it completely. Add the recommended oil and amount to know for sure. The orfice tube will be a good indicator as to what is going on with the oil in the system. If its dripping with oil you had too much, if it is dry looking you didn't have enough.

 

Forgive my ignorance but how do I flush all the oil w/o removing compressor etc. to get oil out of it. I drove it two more days and I am not noticing any excessive compressor noises. I can hear it when it runs but not that loud. I also measures pressures tonight, 36 psi LS and 160-170 psi HS with box fan in front of condenser, 170 -175 psi w/o box fan. (idling on max cool)

 

you replaced the compresser in a parking lot???? thats some skill. i thought i had lots of tools in my truck to handle most emergency fixes.

 

Well the parking lot of my buddy's house, truck made it the couple miles to get there. I used his truck to chase parts and bought the serpentine belt. Was still a really fun afternoon. (sarcasm)