A/C oil
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A/C oil
just had a new A/C compressor (R134a) installed on my 1993 F150. i notice that there is a bit of greasy black oil on the a/c clutch. also some traces of oil that was slung onto the water pump area. did not notice this until a few days ago. could the a/c be leaking it's oil? the a/c works ( it is cool, not cold) and i have to run it on maximum most of the time to cool the cab. although it is hot here in se texas, the cooling is diminished about 40% from the old R12 freon. is this normal? also had new a/c hoses and a host of small fitting replaced at the same time.
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Probably best to let the shop have another look at it. They will probably be happy to take a quick look for free, it will save them money if something is wrong.
It is possible to convert to 134 with no loss of cooling capacity but it is rarely done. You need a more effective condenser either a bigger condenser or a more efficient condenser like a cross-flow model.
I don't recommend converting to 134 unless you need to replace the condenser anyway, most conversions are not cost effective.
It is possible to convert to 134 with no loss of cooling capacity but it is rarely done. You need a more effective condenser either a bigger condenser or a more efficient condenser like a cross-flow model.
I don't recommend converting to 134 unless you need to replace the condenser anyway, most conversions are not cost effective.
Last edited by HardScrabble; Aug 9, 2004 at 10:01 AM.
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thanx for the quick reply, hardscrabble. i went to the shop this am and they told me that a new compressor is normal for some oil leak b c the seals have not seated in yet. this is the first time i ever heard that excuse. my old R12 compressor was on the truck for 11 1/2 years and never leaked until the last few months it was on there. that was the reason for the R134a conversion. i think they are trying to give me a 'snow job' and i'm gonna keep on their butt if the oil leak continues. i did not replace the condensor b c i was told it was not needed, but the a/c really does not cool very good. wish i could have kept the R12 unit. it was a good cold unit until it started leaking from hose and compressor. 
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One of the best ways to regain the cooler tempurature of R12 system after converting is to make sure you change the receiver/dryer. They are really quite cheap and make all the difference in the world when converting to 134a. I repaired the leak in my 1989 F-350's A/C, replaced the receiver dryer, charged the system to the factory amount with 134a and get a frosty 40 degrees out of the vents. Doing similar conversions without has resulted is only being able to get down to 50 - 52 degrees.
To go through all the trouble of replacing the compressor (not necessary with a conversion by the way, most of the new oils are compatible) and not replace the receiver/dryer while upgrading is a sure way to be disappointed in 134a.
Some of the oil may be coming from the bearing in the clutch if equipped which is a problem I have seen on semi trucks. There should be no oil leaks from a new compressor. If oil is getting out so is your refridgerant.
To go through all the trouble of replacing the compressor (not necessary with a conversion by the way, most of the new oils are compatible) and not replace the receiver/dryer while upgrading is a sure way to be disappointed in 134a.
Some of the oil may be coming from the bearing in the clutch if equipped which is a problem I have seen on semi trucks. There should be no oil leaks from a new compressor. If oil is getting out so is your refridgerant.
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the a/c dryer was replaced in the conversion. the shop i took it to did clean off the a/c clutch area and said it was "normal" for a slight oil leak for 500 or so miles. i think that is a bunch of bull and if it continues and i get no replacement from them, then i WILL seek legal help on this matter. the a/c is definatly NOT cold, just cool. i know this is not right and i am very disappointed about the conversion to R134a. also it does not even cool when idling in traffic, just when driving a highway speeds.
