Refrigeration Maintenance
130
Oil Collection Container
The oil collection container collects the
compressor shaft seal seepage to keep the unit
clean. This seepage is normal and is necessary for
shaft seal durability.
The oil collection container is mounted on the
body of the compressor. A tube connects the oil
collection container to the compressor shaft seal
cover. The oil that seeps from the seal will travel
through the tube and collect in the container.
Empty the container once per year during oil
changes, or during annual services. The container
has a drain spout with a cap. Remove cap and
drain the oil into a cup (not provided) and discard
the oil properly. Retighten the cap snugly by hand.
The check valve improves the shaft seal reliability
by ensuring oil stays on the shaft seal when the
suction pressure is in a vacuum. It is made of
silicone rubber, a material that can be damaged
easily. The check valve is located on the end of
the tube inside the container. It is a very tight fit
between the check valve and the grommet in the
oil collection container.
If maintenance in the area requires removal of the
oil collection container or the tube, caution should
be observed to prevent damage to the check valve.
Although the check valve was glued to the tube at
production, pulling the check valve back through
the grommet may cause the Valve to fall off or be
damaged.
Several options are available:
1. If possible, disconnect the tube at the seal
cover drain barb and leave the tube in the oil
collection container.
2. The grommet can be pried off the bottle with
the tube still inserted, allowing the tube and
check valve to be easily removed from the
container.
3. If option 1 or 2 are not feasible and it is
necessary to pull the check valve back through
the grommet, gently twist as pulling back.
If the check valve does come off the tube, install a
new check valve from stock.
Checking Compressor Oil
The compressor oil should be checked when there
is evidence of oil loss (oil leaks) or when
components in the refrigeration system have been
removed for service or replacement.
1.
Seal Cover Drain Barb
2.
Tube from Seal Cover to Oil
Collection Container
3.
Grommet
4.
Check Valve
5.
Oil Collection Container
6.
Cap (Remove to Drain Oil)
Figure 210: Oil Collection Container
1
5
3
4
2
6
1.
Sight Glass
Figure 211: Checking Compressor Oil
1
