C2 Dehydrator Installation

[Jim S.]

I am at the stage in my A/C system where the only open ends are at the Condenser and the Compressor hose . So once I add the Dehydrator it is closed .


I had my correct and original Dehydrator cut open and the desiccant replaced awhile back . It has been plastic capped and taped ever since . I have heard however that exposure to the elements for ever so briefly a time makes them useless .

So to my question : When should it be installed ? Anytime as long as the system will remain closed , or only shortly before you intend to charge the entire system ? In other words, is an uncharged yet closed system considered minimal outside exposure , or does it need to be fully charged immediately after installation in order for the dehydrator to remain viable and useful ?

Jim

[Tom K.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Jim, I'm not an a/c expert, but any time that I install a new dryer I always pull a vacuum, check that it holds for an hour or so(a good leak check) and then charge the system. I think this is the best way. You don't want any moisture in the system, especially at the price of Freon 12 if that is what you are using. A dry system is a happy system. hope this helps. I know there are others on here that know more than I do, so maybe you will get more input. Good luck.
Tom

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Jim:

If your system has been apart, my suggestion is to buy and install a cheap generic drier. Probably around $20-30 dollars. Then pull a vacuum on the system and see if it holds. You can also shoot a bit of dry cylinder nitrogen or cheap R134a etc into the system and give it a good pressure test with a soap solution and then a leak check with an electronic refrigerant leak detector (if you have one).

When you are satisfied that you have NO LEAKS, then remove the cheap drier and install the refurbished original drier. Immediately pull a deep vacuum for about 2-3 hours to remove any remaining moisture and air in the system. Put a trouble light with a 60 watt bulb under the compressor to heat it up a bit to help drive off any moisture. When you are satisfied that everything is dry and leak free, put a bit of refrigerant (R12 or ??) into the system to build about 90 psig pressure. Then you can leave it unattended until ready to finish charging.

A desiccant package in a new or rebuilt C2 drier is good for about 1 teaspoon of water removal. After that it is done.

Larry

[Jim S.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Tom and Larry ,

Perhaps I should have elaborated . Yes the entire system has been apart as part of the complete restoration process.

All new hoses, new condenser , rebuilt S.T.V. and compressor etc. etc. The only oil I know to be in the system now is the 6 ounces that they put into the compressor after rebuilding it . I am in essence starting from scratch .

Jim

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Tom and Larry ,

Perhaps I should have elaborated . Yes the entire system has been apart as part of the complete restoration process.

All new hoses, new condenser , rebuilt S.T.V. and compressor etc. etc. The only oil I know to be in the system now is the 6 ounces that they put into the compressor after rebuilding it . I am in essence starting from scratch .

Jim

Make certain that you know what oil you now have in the compressor, so that you can either add the same type or replace it when the time comes to add refrigerant. DO NOT mix the refrigerant oils.

Larry

[Jim S.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Oh great , something else to worry about . How can I find that out now that the compressor is on the car . I can't find the receipt from a few years ago . I know if they asked me I would have said R12 , but I sure don't remember them asking me .

Jim

[Domenic T.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Jim,
Almost every rebuilder of a A6 asks. Also as Larry said, don't mix oils, but You can mix brands of the same type. I have also seen systems that survived with mixed oils. The A6 compressor just needs oil for the 4 bearings and front seal, it is bullet proof. Newer systems move oil my means of mixing it with the gas and that's the only way they lubricate. The A6 has a oil pan, pick up, and oil pump to lube the compressor.
If I did your compressor you can rest assured that you have the correct oil. 6 oz. Is what I shipped them with. Remember that it is a 11 oz system so don't forget the rest of the oil.

Dom

[Jimmy B.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

when Classic Auto Air of Tampa did the rebuild of my A6 compressor out of my 65 I specifically asked them about oil and they told me my compressor had plenty of "mineral oil" in it and I did not need to add any more oil when I pressurized the system with R12. I have a rebuilt stv, new evaporator, new condensor, new expansion valve, new blower, new L.I. CORVETTE AC freon lines, new L.I. vacuum switch under the dash, and a new heater control valve. They also cut my original dryer bottle open and cleaned it out and added decisseant (sp) to it. This sucker had better blow "cold" when i get it charged with my R12 I have rat holed.

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

when Classic Auto Air of Tampa did the rebuild of my A6 compressor out of my 65 I specifically asked them about oil and they told me my compressor had plenty of "mineral oil" in it and I did not need to add any more oil when I pressurized the system with R12. I have a rebuilt stv, new evaporator, new condensor, new expansion valve, new blower, new L.I. CORVETTE AC freon lines, new L.I. vacuum switch under the dash, and a new heater control valve. They also cut my original dryer bottle open and cleaned it out and added decisseant (sp) to it. This sucker had better blow "cold" when i get it charged with my R12 I have rat holed.

A fresh, completely rebuilt AC system requires 11 oz of oil total. You can add some (6 oz) to the compressor, but you must add the rest (5oz) to the condenser and drier. Refer to your Chevrolet Service Manual for details, or ask here.

In my opinion, the best bet is to drain the oil from the compressor and refill it with fresh oil that is suitable for the refrigerant you will be using. 525 SUS mineral oil for R12. Ester or PAG for R134a. That way you know what you have. It is very easy to drain and refill the A6 compressor.

Dom is the best out there today for A6 compressor help and rebuilding. That is a fact to remember if you have issues with the compressor or front seal.

Larry

[Jimmy B.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

I just called Classic Auto Air in Tampa, FL they rebuilt my 65 system noted above. I talked specifically with Curtis. My compressor was filled with oil when they returned it to be rebuilt, they use Ester oil. He stated that I positively do not need to add no more oil for my entire system, but just what they added to the compressor when it was rebuilt by them. You can call Curtis and speak with him if you have any questions.
813 - 251 - 2356 ext 2024

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

I just called Classic Auto Air in Tampa, FL they rebuilt my 65 system noted above. I talked specifically with Curtis. My compressor was filled with oil when they returned it to be rebuilt, they use Ester oil. He stated that I positively do not need to add no more oil for my entire system, but just what they added to the compressor when it was rebuilt by them. You can call Curtis and speak with him if you have any questions.
813 - 251 - 2356 ext 2024

[Harry L.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Is it possible to add the oil directly into the condenser,if so how is that process done?

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Is it possible to add the oil directly into the condenser,if so how is that process done?

Dutch:

You add this oil before final evacuation and charging with refrigerant. You just open up a connection and pour it in. Then tighten the connection. It mixes with the refrigerant after a minute or two of AC operation.

If the system is already charged with refrigerant and is under pressure, you can either buy a small pressurized can of oil and add it using your gage manifold, or buy ($$$) a special oil addition pressure cylinder that allows oil to be measured and added using the pressures in the operating AC system. Only the pros use these.

It is always best to first add the oil and then evacuate, dry, and charge the system with refrigerant.

Larry

[Jim S.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Jim,
Almost every rebuilder of a A6 asks. Also as Larry said, don't mix oils, but You can mix brands of the same type. I have also seen systems that survived with mixed oils. The A6 compressor just needs oil for the 4 bearings and front seal, it is bullet proof. Newer systems move oil my means of mixing it with the gas and that's the only way they lubricate. The A6 has a oil pan, pick up, and oil pump to lube the compressor.
If I did your compressor you can rest assured that you have the correct oil. 6 oz. Is what I shipped them with. Remember that it is a 11 oz system so don't forget the rest of the oil.

Dom

Hi Dom.

No you did not rebuild it . I wish you had but it was done locally . It sounds like the oil is easily enough removed , so to be safe and to make sure everything matches , that's what I will do .

Thanks for the heads up ,

Jim

[Jim S.]

Re: C2 Dehydrator Installation

Jim:

If your system has been apart, my suggestion is to buy and install a cheap generic drier. Probably around $20-30 dollars. Then pull a vacuum on the system and see if it holds. You can also shoot a bit of dry cylinder nitrogen or cheap R134a etc into the system and give it a good pressure test with a soap solution and then a leak check with an electronic refrigerant leak detector (if you have one).

When you are satisfied that you have NO LEAKS, then remove the cheap drier and install the refurbished original drier. Immediately pull a deep vacuum for about 2-3 hours to remove any remaining moisture and air in the system. Put a trouble light with a 60 watt bulb under the compressor to heat it up a bit to help drive off any moisture. When you are satisfied that everything is dry and leak free, put a bit of refrigerant (R12 or ??) into the system to build about 90 psig pressure. Then you can leave it unattended until ready to finish charging.

A desiccant package in a new or rebuilt C2 drier is good for about 1 teaspoon of water removal. After that it is done.

Larry

Tom and Larry ,

Thanks for the details and suggestions. The "throw away Drier is a good tip !

In the end it sounds like a good A/C man and a few dollars spent to get it right, are the way to go . Now to find one who makes house calls !

Jim