Compressor oil and charging

[krish]

I have a new Tecumseh compressor without oil. The Hvac tech that will be
installing it in 2 weeks says that it does not need oil and there is oil already
in the R22 that is charged. As an engineer, i disagree. I read that for an
R22 unit, mineral oil is what is recommended by Tecumseh. He is also going
to install a new evap coil at the same time.

I have printed out all the data sheets for him. He has around 20 years
experience. While i read that most compressors ship with oil, why would a
tech not know about what i am talking. Just to make sure i have him
do it right, what is the best way to add the right amount of oil?

Pour 1/2 the oil through the low pressure side and the other half to the
high pressure side? Then have him connect the tubes and braze it? May
be he will know when he sees, but i am trying to get all my facts straight
before he touches the stuff.

I had this compressor as a spare unit that came with the house. Its new,
but has been sitting for a while. I have an evap coil leak. So while i replace
that i thought i might as well swap out the compressor, since the comp
is almost at the end of life on a 18 year old home.

Also would installing a TXV at the evaporator help in any way?
The system is an 2 ton carrier R22 system.

Tnx for the help.

[t527ed]

how long has it been sitting around with no oil in it??

where did the oil go?

was it sealed from atmosphere?

did you check the dipstick?

[krish]

It is in a box. I see that it has a date stamp of 1996. The previous owner of
the home left it when they sold the home and moved out 3 years ago.
So don't know really how old it is other than the date on it.
I think it is empty because when i shake it, i can hear metal sounding and
i read that this one should have 1100cc of oil in it per the manufacturers
specs. All i remember is that the previous owner saying that it is new and
a spare that they are leaving for me.

The 2 copper tubes have rubber plugs that are a tight fit on it. I don't think there is a dip stick on this unit. This is a sealed unit. So don't see a dip
stick like the one on a car engine.

[jcater8127]

[quote=krish;1938774]I have a new Tecumseh compressor without oil.

[beenthere]

That comp comes with oil.
Keep shaking it, and you can throw it out.



It most likely has no warranty either.

[t527ed]

if it still has the factory rubber plugs it has the oil charge in it, DO NOT remove them. just give it to the tech to install.


and QUIT shakin it.........

[aintitfun]

If it has been open to atmosphere, you may end up worse off than what you started with. No offense, but it sounds like you need to accept the fact that he knows more about the repairs than you do. Also sounds like you are throwing a lot of time and money away on an 18 yr old system.

[beenthere]

Not if he's saying the R22 comes with enough oil to fill a compressor.
Sounds like side job johnny.

[aintitfun]

Not if he's saying the R22 comes with enough oil to fill a compressor.
Sounds like side job johnny.

I didnt catch that part. He does sound a little suspicous, but then again it sounded a little odd that he was willing to install a compressor the H.O had layin around, and he must be workin cheap, if it is worth it to change a coil and compressor on an 18 yr old system. I guess they are both confused. I predict a not-so-good outcome.

[krish]

The tech works for a reputable firm and i am giving him a side job to do.
In return, he is getting the materials at close to cost and i will be paying for
his labor. So yes, it is a bit cheap. Cannot afford to do a fork lift upgrade
at this time due to the situation after losing a lot of stuff in a lightning
surge. The furnace is still good. The other firms have quoted me 4 -6 times
more to do a fork lift upgrade. So i want to buy a few more years with the
current unit.

Now, why does shaking the compressor cause it harm? Does the
factory not ship the compressors and they will be subject to shock
during transit if i am right.

Sorry, just simple questions as a HO. I have not yet opend up a compressor
to see what's in it.

[beenthere]

They're not shakened while shipped.
When you hear that clanging noise, the motor has gone past the clearance. So your banging the motors windings into the shell.

I know some techs from reputable companies. That I wouldn't let check the charge of my system.

[aintitfun]

The tech works for a reputable firm and i am giving him a side job to do.
In return, he is getting the materials at close to cost and i will be paying for
his labor. So yes, it is a bit cheap. Cannot afford to do a fork lift upgrade
at this time due to the situation after losing a lot of stuff in a lightning
surge. The furnace is still good. The other firms have quoted me 4 -6 times
more to do a fork lift upgrade. So i want to buy a few more years with the
current unit.

Now, why does shaking the compressor cause it harm? Does the
factory not ship the compressors and they will be subject to shock
during transit if i am right.

Sorry, just simple questions as a HO. I have not yet opend up a compressor
to see what's in it.

Well we are not talking about a compressor that is in shipping packaging, are we. Bottom line, the compressor has oil, leave it alone, and stop shakin it , it is not a snow globe.

[t527ed]

leave it alone, and stop shakin it , it is not a snow globe.