Recharging the A/C

[ozymandias]

Thanks for the advice guys. I remember reading that the ND-11 oil is really hard to find and is really expensive, so some shops use PAG 120 oil. Is this ok?

I don't have a way to test the high pressure side. I think at this point, instead of spending money on more equipment it's better if I find a shop to fix it at a reasonable price. That will be a challenge around here.

[richard schumacher]

Patsparks had the correct advice and offered it first. Don't be offended by his straightforward Aussie idioms.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by ozymandias

Thanks for the advice guys. I remember reading that the ND-11 oil is really hard to find and is really expensive, so some shops use PAG 120 oil. Is this ok?

I don't have a way to test the high pressure side. I think at this point, instead of spending money on more equipment it's better if I find a shop to fix it at a reasonable price...

I really think that a Toyota dealer is your best bet for this service. Since the air conditioner compressor runs on high voltage AC, the insulation properties of the oil are paramount.

From the 2005 repair manual, p. 55-2:

"NOTICE:

For the electric inverter compressor, use the NDOIL11.

Electrical insulation performance may decrease significantly

if even a small amount of oil other than NDOIL11
is used (or enters) in the refrigeration cycle,

causing the DTC to be output.

If other oil is accidentally used and a DTC is output,

collect the compressor oil in the compressor and replace
it with ND-OIL11 to increase the ND-OIL11 ratio

amount.

Replace the main components (evaporator, condenser,

and compressor) if a large amount of oil other than
ND-OIL1 1 enters the system. Failing to do so may
cause electrical insulation performance to remain

low, causing the DTC to be output."

[ozymandias]

Originally Posted by richard schumacher

Patsparks had the correct advice and offered it first. Don't be offended by his straightforward Aussie idioms.

He didn't offer any "constructive" advice other than "just get it fixed", which really didn't answer any of my questions. The name calling wasn't very constructive either. I appreciate you standing up for him though.

[ozymandias]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

I really think that a Toyota dealer is your best bet for this service. Since the air conditioner compressor runs on high voltage AC, the insulation properties of the oil are paramount.

Thanks...I need to find a dealer in the area which doesn't charge $100 / hour and which also can re-use as much oil as possible.

[galaxee]

$90/hour is pretty common for labor rates nowadays.

the oil... you're probably gonna have to just suck it up and buy some.

sorry, it sucks, i know. does that estimate include fixing the leak?

[ozymandias]

The estimate was to just fix the leak, I think. I don't think they had included the cost of the oil in there.

This is a pretty expensive way learn and make sure the A/C works properly when buying a used car! It's pretty hard when you buy a car in February though.

[galaxee]

they should include the cost of restoring your system to full capacity after fixing a leak. if not, something's fishy.

at least it's a lesson you'll only have to learn once

[ivanbg]

Here is a post I did when I repaired the a/c on my 1993 mazda protege

How to Repair Automotive A/C - Instructables - DIY, How To, tech, ride - Entry