On 18 Aug 2006 09:10:24 -0700, "Akka" wrote:

So, what to do? Apparently, compressors can't be repaired (though it
sure looks like one could replace the head gasket), so we have to buy a
new one. When we do, we'll open up the valves and inspect them,
replace the dryer, vacuum-pump the system, then barely fill it until we
see liquid running across the bottom of the sight glass. What else?
More oil? Lighter-weight oil because of the low operating
temperatures?

If you can find a good refrigeration expert in your area, I would
highly recommend that you sign him up. In the long run it will be
money well spent. There are a lot of subtle complexities to be
considered, from the size and adjustment of the expansion valve, the
amount of charge, compressor size, purging, leak detection and
protective circuitry. Without all of that working together as a
coordinated system, it will be either unreliable, inefficient or both.
I've had one system completely overhauled, and another replaced in the
last year, learning enough along the way to know it is not a job for
amateurs, even serious amateurs.