Which symptoms suggest that a condenser is oil logged?

When diagnosing a condenser that is oil logged, high discharge line pressure combined with low liquid line pressure is a key indicator. This condition suggests that the refrigerant is not able to adequately condense in the condenser due to an undue amount of oil interfering with the heat transfer process. The high pressure in the discharge line indicates that the compressor is working harder to push the refrigerant through the system, while the low pressure in the liquid line suggests that less liquid refrigerant is reaching the expansion valve, which can lead to inefficient cooling.

In a healthy system, the discharge line pressure and the liquid line pressure should be balanced and operate within certain thresholds. However, when oil buildup disrupts the normal flow of refrigerant, it creates an imbalance that manifests as high pressures in the discharge line and low pressures in the liquid line. This scenario typically reflects poor heat exchange and can lead to system failure if not addressed.

Monitoring these pressure levels can help technicians diagnose and address issues related to oil logging in the condenser, ensuring proper functioning and efficiency of the air conditioning system.