Instructions for running in the air conditioning compressor (Skoda Octavia 5E)

After the initial filling of the refrigerant circuit, replacement of the air conditioning compressor or after flushing/blowing out the circuit, the oil is completely in the air conditioning compressor. To avoid damage, the air conditioning compressor should be used as follows. Before installing the poly V-belt, turn the air conditioning compressor belt pulley 10 times by hand. Set the air distribution rotary-push switch to the "Passenger air blowing" position. Open all deflectors on the front panel. Set the fresh air fan switch to at least position 3. Turn the temperature regulator all the way to the left (minimum temperature). Set the temperature to "LO" on the Climatronrc panel. Start the engine with the air conditioning system turned off (a/C button indicator light not lit). Start the engine. After stabilizing the idle speed (approx. 5 sec.), turn on the air conditioning system (a/C button indicator light is on). For Climatronic, select the "AUTO" mode. Let the engine idle for at least 5 minutes without interruption. Then switch off the air conditioning system. After this, the oil is evenly distributed in the refrigerant circulation circuit, and the compressor can operate under full load.

Caution! If it is necessary to start the engine without filling the circuit: the refrigerant circuit must be completely assembled; the air conditioner compressor must contain at least one third of the amount of refrigerant intended for this circuit; the engine speed must not exceed 2000 rpm. Do not let the engine run longer than absolutely necessary, max. 10 min. Then, with an empty refrigerant circuit, the air conditioning compressor is not damaged, because it has a safe lubricant. This means that approx. 40-50 cm³ of refrigerant oil remains in the air conditioning compressor. With an empty refrigerant circuit, there is no control of the air conditioning compressor regulating valve "N₂80", and the air conditioning compressor runs without load, together with the engine. With the engine running, the air conditioning compressor operates due to clutch -1- and "2" (various design options) regardless of whether the air conditioning system is on or off (it doesn't have an electromagnetic clutch). If the compressor is blocked, the rubber elements "2" are cut off or the driven disk "1" is deformed (this can be recognized by bulges in the belt pulley or by rubber scraps in the belt pulley area).