compressors

[Royster88]

How do you check the oil level in a welded hermetic compressor?

[freezon]

Cut it open and look.

Seriously, if it doesn't have a sightglass on the body of the compressor, you are out of luck.

Do you think that it is low or high?

[jpsmith1cm]

You can torch it, same as a receiver.

[heavymetaldad]

cut it out and turn it upside down

[dvschillin]

What would you need to check for in a hermetic compressor? You can't change it or fill it can you?

[jpsmith1cm]

What would you need to check for in a hermetic compressor? You can't change it or fill it can you?

Yes, you can.

It takes a little more work than doing a semi-hermetic, but you can change the oil in a tin can.

[dvschillin]

Yes, you can.

It takes a little more work than doing a semi-hermetic, but you can change the oil in a tin can.

Is that normal practice or even cost effective?

[timebuilder]

Yes, you can.

It takes a little more work than doing a semi-hermetic, but you can change the oil in a tin can.

Wouldn't that be "a great deal more work?"

[jpsmith1cm]

Is that normal practice or even cost effective?

I don't do many tin cans.

Some here claim to do it on a fairly regular basis.

I think that I've done it once or twice.

It's a PITA.

[jpsmith1cm]

Wouldn't that be "a great deal more work?"

Yes, I was understating a little.

[dvschillin]

when you recover the system does the oil from the compressor come with it?

[jpsmith1cm]

Not all of it, only a very small amount.

[timebuilder]

when you recover the system does the oil from the compressor come with it?

Generally, no. Small amounts of oil can come out when refrigerant is recovered, but compressor oil leaves with the old compressor and new oil arrives with the new compressor during a replacement.

Automotive AC compressors are shipped dry, and a few ounces of the proper oil are added before installation.