As for oil in the compressor - just ask the shop you are buying it from. They are the people who should know for sure.

From what I have gathered from this page, the auxillary fan kicks on when the gas in the a/c system reaches a certain temperature. There is a switch on the reciever/drier that senses the temperature. The bigger switch on the reciever/drier (the one about the diameter of a quarter), controls the compressor (turns it off if the gas pressures get too high or drops too low).

Greg

'84 300D

The last compressor I bought came empty... with instructions as to how much to add... but the one before that I had to try to figure out from the books at the part store, which sometimes list that stuff, and I never felt good about having the right answer....

I know some oil will be traveling through the system...that is what lubricates the top end of the compressor (and makes it not suitable for making into an air compressor) and some compressors have DIP STICKS to check the level... I wonder if it would be good to add the proper amount and see how much gets sent off..and around the system.. and keep checking until it stabilizes... which might be a while.. you don't want too much and you don't want too little....

GregS, you must be dealing with shops where the counter help is not perpetually on their first day at that job.... wish I could say the same... GregoryB

Just a update, I converted the ls400 and tried a new snake oil called "maxi cool" by interdynamics. I was getting 55.6f prior to installing it and shot it in, it went to 42.3f. Not bad, keep in mind this is a car with a less than new compressor and all r12 components.

I'll try this stuff again on the next conversion (83 300sdl) and let ya'll know the results.


BTW, I found the stuff at Advance Auto Parts.


Joe

__________________
Project Smoker, '87 603 powered wagon
Hauler, 96 CTD can you say torque?
Toy 73 Cougar xr7 convertible
Acme Automotive Inc.
Raleigh NC
919-881-0364

After reading many articles on alternate refrigirants, I finally decided to take the plunge and switch over to Duracool R12A.
I have had it for only about a month, and so far the ac system seems to love it. The air from the vent is much colder than before and I don't see a drop in rpm's at iddle when the ac compressor kicks in. That should translate in fuel savings and less wear and tear on the ac compressor and the whole system.
Why is this happening ?
From the manufacturer web site ( www.duracool.com) :
It requires about 35 to 40 % less refrigirant than R12 or R134A.
The compressor will run at lower pressures to reach cooler temperatures.
It is compatible with any oils.
It is capable of dealing with small amounts of moisture.
It is competitive in price.
Since the pressures are lower, there will be less chances of leaks.
The switchover only cost what it would have cost to refill with R 134A.
For me , it has worked. (so far)
jacquesrober

__________________
J.R.

I don't know about Canada, but Duracool and the other explosive refrigerants are illegal in 18 US states plus the District of Columbia.

Best of luck,