AC Compressor Installation: No Refrigerant Needed?

Hi.

I have a completely empty air conditioning system and I would like to reattach the compressor and then have the system filled. Can I assume that the magnetic clutch completely decouples the compressor, even in a system without pressure, which therefore doesn't offer much resistance to the compressor, and that it might therefore rotate slightly?
Or will I end up damaging the compressor on the way to the workshop because there's no lubricant in it?

/Jan

HI.

Nothing can happen because the low-pressure switch prevents the magnetic coupling from engaging; if necessary, you can even disconnect the plug to that switch.

However, the compressor must be filled with the correct amount of compressor oil before installation. If you use a filling station, the oil may end up somewhere in the system, but not necessarily where it needs to be.

And importantly, use new O-rings and lightly lubricate both the O-rings and all connection points with compressor oil, and then replace the dryer after installation.

Best regards, Rüdi.

Well, unfortunately, I don't have any compressor oil, and I didn't really want to buy any extra, because the system will probably be flushed before being filled anyway, so the money for the oil would be wasted.
But then I probably won't be able to avoid it.

/Jan

Jan03 wrote:

Well, unfortunately, I don't have any compressor oil, and I didn't really want to buy any extra, because the system will probably be flushed before being filled anyway, so the money for the oil would be wasted. But then I probably won't be able to avoid it. /Jan

It is flushed with nitrogen, and the oil remains inside, with no adverse effects.

You won't be able to avoid pre-charging the compressor, believe me.