Replacing air conditioning components

[PHOENIX]

GM 3.1L

When replacing the compressor, accumulator, orifice, and evaporator does PAG oil need to be added to each component?

I know you need to have the proper oil in the compressor, but I've heard oil should be added to the different components of the system. Is that true? Anyone have a manual or instructions for the proper way to do this?

I'll install the new parts myself, but have the system flushed, vacuumed, and charged by a local shop. Can or do they add oil with the refrigerant charge?

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Typically, yes you add the correct pag oil and amount to replacement parts.

However, compressors can be more tricky, read the directions VERY carefully. Some are shipped dry, some are shipped with an X amount and you have to drain your old one and measure how much comes out and either add or drain some from the new one depending.

Also, replace any o-rings on connections you take off and put a dab of pag oil on the new ones to help it slide together and not roll or tear the new o-ring.

Whats the year, make and model you're working on?

[PHOENIX]

02 malibu

I don't think I can trust what's in the compressor. I think it's been leaking.

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Typically it won't leak the oil out, just the refrigerant but anything is possible!

I didn't think to ask before, but is your compressor making a grinding noise? I've replaced a bunch of GM compressors only cause they are leaking refrigerant. If it's only leaking out, it isn't necessary to replace all those other components and flush the system. However, if it is grinding or locked up, then it is best to replace all those parts and flush the system real well.

But here is how much each part holds.

Condenser 30ml or 1oz

Accumulator 60ml or 2oz plus measure amount drained from old one and add same
amount to new part.

[PHOENIX]

Where did you get those amounts from?