03 Condenser Replacement AC leak

[B4cans]

AC leak on my 03 with 165kmiles - What was a very slow 1-year leak became a 1-day leak. Finaly found it after adding a few cans of R134a - top left of condenser under the rubber bushing / radiator bracket area (dye visible). Based on rate of leak, im assuming it needs replacement and is not repairable. Condenser replacement seems straight forward (also assuming refrigerant all leaked out already) . Except for evacuation & oil adding is my question. Ford manual says accumulator does not have to be replaced with condenser. Also says to add 2 oz PAG oil to condenser. Since the leak is at top of core, is it safe to assume no sigificent amount of oil leaked, just refrigerant? Can I simply add the 2 Oz of oil, and borrow AutoZone vaccuum pump, evacuate the system for an hour, then charge with 32Oz of R134a as per sticker under hood? For lubing the O rings, is mineral oil same as regular mineral based motor oil?

 

[Donystoy]

See if you can drain any oil out of the condensor and measure the quantity. Not sure how the tubes run but you might have to cut into the bottom for this.

 

[esclamada]

AC leak on my 03 with 165kmiles - What was a very slow 1-year leak became a 1-day leak. Finaly found it after adding a few cans of R134a - top left of condenser under the rubber bushing / radiator bracket area (dye visible). Based on rate of leak, im assuming it needs replacement and is not repairable. Condenser replacement seems straight forward (also assuming refrigerant all leaked out already) . Except for evacuation & oil adding is my question. Ford manual says accumulator does not have to be replaced with condenser. Also says to add 2 oz PAG oil to condenser. Since the leak is at top of core, is it safe to assume no sigificent amount of oil leaked, just refrigerant? Can I simply add the 2 Oz of oil, and borrow AutoZone vaccuum pump, evacuate the system for an hour, then charge with 32Oz of R134a as per sticker under hood? For lubing the O rings, is mineral oil same as regular mineral based motor oil?

I just replaced my AC last fall, on my Mounty it's only 1oz. Use the PAG oil to lube the o-rings.

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[B4cans]

I read that you should not use the PAG to lube the o-rings as it somehow conflicts with the material, Ford specs mineral based refrigeration oil for that purpose.

 

[esclamada]

I read that you should not use the PAG to lube the o-rings as it somehow conflicts with the material, Ford specs mineral based refrigeration oil for that purpose.

If you're doing the conversion from R12 to R134a then yes, you can't mixed mineral oil and PAG (they are not compatible)
R134a uses PAG or ester (and PAG is recommended), mineral oil is for older systems (R12)


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[Donystoy]

Ditto on the PAG oil on the "O" rings. On any system you use whatever oil is in the system for lubing the rings prior to installation.