Air Conditioning Compressor siezures. B280E (R12) (Sanden SD709 compressor)

I've now seized my third compressor. First one was 'cos it wasn't oiled enough. My local Refridgeration Engineer added a pipefull of oil. Siezed a second one and insisted on adding 200cc of Clavus to the third compressor's crankcase (swashplatecase). Now that's gone and siezed. The pistons bores and bearings are fine. It's just the ball that holds the "wobble plate" in position that's siezed.
Q1, Is 200cc of oil not enough ? (the surfaces are just wet, no free running oil)
Q2, can anyone repair my comp ?
Q3, Where can I get a good replacement ?(£500 off the shelf at Volvo)

[Peter Milnes]

It can only be replaced by one of the same make or type. The oil and a leak indicator dye should be already mixed in with the Refrigerant.
You should have been using R134 as a replacement for the outdated R12. This means a drain down and complete pressure and leak test, then refilling with R134 with the above-mentioned additives.

I may have a Sanden compressor with very little miles run and in full working condition.

All the best, Peter.

Peter
Thanks for that. I may well take up your offer. What's the price etc ?. Call me on 07776 050860 if you like. The refrigerant was replaced with 134A about 2 years ago. The oil that I put directly into the crankcase was 200cc of Shell Clavus. I suspect that the compressor capacity is 143cc but the whole system requires much more. What I'll have to do is add another 200cc, regas the system, run it gently for a bit, depressurise and check the crankcase contents with a tie wrap dipstick. I'd rather pay a few more 40 quid regasses than wreck another comp. Especially if it's your good one.
Paul.

[Peter Milnes]

As I said the refrigerant should come with both leak indicator dye and compressor oil already mixed in it. It is bought like this in small canisters and introduced via the valve on the condenser as the can contents are under pressure. How does £75 sound for the compressor.

Best way of contacting m,e is usually by my e-mail address. If you use the appropriate icon to the right of message header, this should connect to my address when sent.

All the best, Peter.

Peter
I'll go for that if my mate can't get one.
The refrigerant is put in by my local friendly engineer. He has the refrigerant in disposable cylinders of about 5kg each. he vacs it down before filling. I'm going to make sure this is the last time this gets done. So it's going to be done right. I spose I could take it to volvo to flush, gas and lube. That way I'd have some warranty.
What's your location ? I'm near Norwich.
Paul.

Peter
I'm confused now, I've had another offer and I didn't realise it was a different one. (Overworked). Yes I'll take yours. I'll send you a mail.
Ian (migrator) sorry if I'm confused. Thanks for the offer. I hope I didn't confuse you.
Paul.

Peter
I'm about to get cut off here at home,(susser.freeserve.co.uk) as we wait for broadband. My mail at work (pscott@britishsugar.co.uk) will still work. Failing that, or preferably, I'm on 07776 050860. I'll get this sorted as soon as you let me know how you want to do it.
Paul.

[Peter Milnes]

Paul I live in South Wales. I can get it to you using either Royal Mail Parcels or a carrier say DHL or one of the other well-known ones. I will find out what it costs to send and let you know.

All the best, Peter.

Peter.
I've sent a mail or two via your profile. Maybe it's not working. I'll definitely have yours. As soon as you tell me the total cost and your address, I'll send the money.
Thanks lots,
Paul.

Peter
All back in duty on R413A and Shell Clavus. Leak tested the seals and they are all tight. Thanks very much. Interestingly, I got 220cc of oil out of the dryer unit, so I imagine that this is the amount it holds, and the rest is carried through the system. When I got it recharged yesterday I added 250cc of oil directly to the crankcase. Obviously 220cc of this will be retained in the drier as it migrates through the system, which should leave 30cc more actually flowing if you get my drift.
The pulley is slightly bigger so the comp runs a tad slower. This is only a problem inasmuch as the original belt isn't long enough. I've sorted that.
Thanks again
Paul.