Spud's still unsubbed from the list; too busy to keep up these days. He's asked me to forward the following, which I've culled from several emails in hopes someone can shed more light. Those of you who've been around surely know how to send mail to him direct. I'm on digest so won't make a very good conduit anyway.
j Begin quoted text: My BIL had to replace the compressor in his 87 300D, and while he was at it, decided to convert back to R-12 and flush out the neon green PAG/POE oil. However, the FSM is rather vague on the fresh oil fill. There's a spec of 120cc of mineral oil to be added to a new, empty compressor. Question is, is that spec for the compressor only, or the entire system? It appears that there may need to be another 70cc or so for the condenser, drier, and hoses. Anyone know for sure? ...he did put in approx 7 ounces of oil. The system held pressure for 2 hours with dry nitrogen (around 300psi, I think) and then was vacuumed for a couple hours also, then charged. And after all that, the new compressor was binding enough to squeal the belt and trip the belt safety circuit... d'oh! Absolutely no idea what went wrong - any ideas? Put 4oz into the compressor and the remaining 3oz into the lines. It was a fresh rebuild, or new, I'm not sure which (probably rebuilt). It arrived dry - no oil in it. He added 4oz to the compressor and turned it by hand about 20 times before installing it. I too am wondering if it's a bad rebuild... at least I hope so. He's not too happy about losing a fresh charge of R-12, though, that's for sure