Replacing Accumulator Question

[duke16]

I'm replacing the Accumulator on a 98 Mountaineer and have a few questions.

How do I get the old oil out of the one that I'm removing (to measure)? I've tipped it upside down, but nothing comes out. Haynes manual says to remove the Schrader valve, but I don't see how that's possible.

What kind of oil do I use? PAG 46? 100? Or does it matter?

 

[duke16]

...little bump...

 

[Maniak]

I've never "measured" how much we lost but when I replace the evap/accumulator I just used r-134 with oil in it. I can't say it is the "correct" way to do it, but so far so good. (couple years)..

on the 1st gen, there is a low pressure switch which is connected to the accumulator by way of shrader valve. I guess you could take the core out of the shrader valve there but I don't know if its the same on your X as I haven't worked on one that new.

~Mark

 

[ranger7ltr]

A schrader valve is standard...

Use a core remover/installer to remove the core then pour away...And you can add oil to the new accumulator or send some to the condensor and compressor and any other place in the system... Just don't overfill on oil and don't be surprised if you do not find any in the accumulator...It is probably either in the condensor or leaked out..

But I have a bigger question...Is the system sealed still or are you replacing the accumulator because a line broke or a compressor died or some other issue?

I would also recommend replacing the orifice tube now since the system is open right now...With the system open you will only need to vacuum it down and recharge it one time instead of finding a resrtiction in the high side after charging it ....That is assuming the orifice tube has debris on it...

 

[duke16]

Take the core out of valve?

A core remover? What's that?

Accumulator rusted through.

 

[Maniak]

I use the top tool in this pic.

~Mark

 

[ma96782]

You're probably finished by now......but, for the future........

Just drill a hole in the bottom of the "old" accumulator and drain out the old oil to measure.

Aloha, Mark

PS..........if, the system had a "catastrophic leak" you'll probably have to "wing it" as to what you figure will be the correct amount of oil to replace. Or, you could use the "rule of thumb."

Taken from the Haynes Book…..

Rule of Thumb Guide for Adding Oil to Individual Components

If no major oil loss has occurred, and if only a single component must be replaced, oil can be added to the system by putting it into specific components. Use the amounts shown below:

Condenser - 1 ounce
Receiver-drier - 1 ounce
Desiccant bag in VIR - 1 ounce plus the amount drained from the receiver-drier
Evaporator - 3 ounces
Accumulator
a) Ford - 1 ounce plus the amount measured
b) General Motors
1) DA-6 - 3 ounces plus the amount measured
2) A-6, R-4 or V5 - 2 ounces plus the amount measured
It's important to note that, since oil distributes itself throughout the system during operation, it isn't absolutely necessary to add oil to the component being replaced. With one exception, as long as the amount of oil lost during the replacement procedure is added somewhere, the system will be fine. The exception? The compressor. If the compressor is being replaced, always put the oil into the compressor and not somewhere else.

But, too much or too little oil can be a problem. Remember, the Hayes book (or NAPA site, see stickie) will tell you the TOTAL amount of oil and refregerant in a system.

So, you'll need to "make a guess" as to how much oil might still be left in the other major components (and do some math).

Or, you could flush the system and start over. But, don't flush lines with a filter/muffler (that can't be cheaply replaced) and don't flush a compressor.

 

[JimDi4]

How Much Accumulator oil?

i have the Manual on Cd and it says to just add oil from the result of the accumulated oil in the Old accumulator just add one more ounce...well I am doing a complete rebuilt/replace of the whole AC system including new pump, accumulator, orifice, Main hose, new Condenser, removed and flushed evaporator...replace all o rings...AND still cannot find the answer to how much AC refrigerant oil to add to the Brand new accumulator any ideas???...or rule of thumb? I have seen info such as 3 ounces for Evaporator 1 ounce for Condenser 3 - 5 ounces for pump...Then I have seen 7 ounces for a total of 7 ounces for whole system... Weill, doing the math If I use 1 ounces for Condenser, 3 for the evaporator, 3 to 5 for the Pump thats about 7 ounces right there, but I am not putting anything in the Accumulator....Is this correct on a completely rebuild system?..I have a 1994 F250...

PS the old Accumulator was bone dry...I cut it open and found no oil!!!

 

[parad1mg]

it seems like this is a mystery..

i just received my new accumulator today and orifice (sp?) tube and will be replacing it next week.. my old accumulator is rusted out and glows with my uv light but there are no leaks anywhere else that i looked..

so, how much oil do we need to put in it? and where do you pour it? on the threaded open tube or the one with the quick disconnect fitting?

 

[JimDi4]

I don't think it matters either side...I removed the old one and tore it apart and both tubes go to the same location inside the accumulator....I woould like to ask Glacier991 a question on the charging procedure....let me know when you log in...I ran my low pressure passed the needle on my Blue gauge when I was charging anf then the Blue gauge stayed aorund 50 psi and the Red gauge went to 110 psi

 

[ma96782]

1998 Ford Manual System.......Explorer.

low side gauge.........22-50

hi side gauge..........160-250

Taken from the Haynes Book. Note: for systems in good operating condition, at sea level and with ambient air temp of 80 degrees F.

Aloha, Mark

 

[ma96782]

JimDi4,

I wouldn't worry so much.....with a FORD......the TOTAL capacity is more important.

So......IF, working on a new/re-build of a complete system.......I'd just split up the oil into the major components. Sooner or later, it's all flowing throughout the system anyway.

BUT......for some compressors (especially ones w/o a slump, i.e. Harrison R-4).......well, make sure it got enough oil (and hand prime it) or you'll be buying a new one shortly.

Aloha, Mark