Thread: How to prep A/C for first run?

I'm wrapping up a 1.6L to 2.0L engine swap in my Sentra and am going through my final checklist before running the motor for the first time in this car. One of the things on my mind is the A/C system. I almost did the swap without disconnecting any of the system but I ended up having to use SE-R A/C lines. I am using my GA16DE compressor and all the rest of the old system other than the lines to the firewire. The whole time the compressor was either hooked to the lines or wired in place and never tilted to drain. I have an R-134a tank with manifold gauges so topping off the refrigerant is doable, but I'm not sure about the compressor oil. The only way I can see the old oil getting out is through blowing out with the R-134a when I cracked a line or what was remaining in the lines that were removed, so I'm not exactly sure how much oil has escaped and what the current level is, or how to check. I have a bottle of compressor oil but I don't have the equipment to vacuum and flush the system myself, just to fill R-134a.

Is there a way to check compressor oil level?

Should there be enough oil settled in the system to start the motor safely? The A/C system wasn't run for months before the lines were cracked.

How is it suggested to fill compressor oil, through the inlet of the compressor with line disconnected and turn the clutch by hand?

If you do not engage the A/C switch, the compressor will not turn when you start the engine. The system should really be put under vacuum. It won't work very well with air in the system.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I realized this too and just unplugged the connector at the compressor for safety, and it seems to be running fine. I'll take it to a better equipped place to get the A/C flushed and recharged later on down the road