'95 Sport 90 - A/C Compressor ticking/flapping upon engagement

["R. Cummings" <cumm@flash.net>]

>:
>	Recently had a/c recharged at independent Audi/Mercedes/Porsche dealer
>with symptom of not significantly cooling...
>	Isn't there supposed to be some sort of oil or other lubricant put in
>along with the freon to ensure the compress does not destroy itself? 
>Can this be checked somehow without going back to the dealer first?  Am
>I destroying the compressor by using the a/c if lubricant was not added
>by the dealer?  Any and all comments and suggestions appreciated.
>
Mark,
The oil is circulated with the refrigerant. If there is a leak in the system
oil can leak out with the refrigerant. It is the oil that keeps the
compressor shaft seal lubricated and sealed. Even a normal system may show
some oil around the shaft seal. Unfortunately, there is no way to measure
the amount of oil in the system. When the system was serviced and the charge
recovered, it is likely that oil came out of the system into the recovery
system. The technician may have not measured the oil removed and did not add
any, so you could be low. I always prefer to err on the side of too much oil
even though that will reduce cooling performance somewhat.

I would add a couple of ounces of oil. Be sure it is the correct oil. I
assume your 95 Sport 90 has R134a with PAG oil.

The discription of the noise is odd. Ticking/flapping sounds more like the
clutch. Compressors growl or sound like pieces of metal rattling around in a
tin can.

Bob Cummings 87 Coupe GT