06 International 8600 day cab Air Conditioner info needed

Hello:
We have a 06 Int 8600 day cab. with about 250K on the clock. Last 8 VIN 6J299945. A/C compressor was shot, you could spin it with your fingers. We are doing a DIY replacement but we are having trouble recharging the system. We replaced the comp., dryer, all three pressure switches, and ALL the seals in the system. We blew through the evap. and condenser with no issues. The cab filter was replaced. In this service we found the fan clutch was week and replaced it along with the tensioner and the belts too.

We are having trouble getting the info we need for charging the system:
How much R134a does this system hold? The parts guy said 30 oz but another internet site reports 3 pounds is the correct charge.
Whats the oil level in the compressor and how do you check it?
How do you charge from cans? Do you make the engine fan run continuously and rev, engine to 1400 RPM to charge? We cant seem to get more than 2 1/2 cans in with engine at idel, set on max., and with shop fan blowing on condenser. The system is tight as a drum and held a great vacuum.

 

Thanks for the reply.

We of course checked for metal and there was only a couple small flakes of aluminum on the orifice screen and we replaced the orifice too. We blew a little compressed air through the condenser and evaporator and both flowed freely. The compressor was more just worn out and didn't explode. You could easily spin the old compressor with one finger.
Compressor oil fill was done about like you described. Is there a way to " stick" the oil level in the mounted compressor?
Since posting we have filled the system from cans being very careful to weigh each can of R134 before and after to determine, as close as possible, the charge of 1.9 pounds.
At idle low side is 36 and high side 270 with a duct air temp. of 68. There was no compressor cycling and the engine fan did not engage. Today in Texas ambient is about 89 at around 70% humidity. The cooling is better on the road.
Sounds a little weak on cooling but we have never serviced a big truck before and don't know what to expect.
One thing we think we discovered is that this trucks engine does not have a thermostat as the engine temp. during the AC charging and testing did not rise above 140. Would this have any affect on the cooling? I'm thinking the low engine temp. may tell the computer to mix heater air into the AC stream to prevent freeze up.
Thanks again!!

 

Thanks again for the help.
We have installed a new cab filter.

On the engine temp. question:
Shouldn't the engine hold a stead temp. of around 180/190?

 

Thanks once again:
Where is the thermostat in the cooling system?

 

Thanks!!
Do these engines maintain a steady temp. like a gas engine?
Whats normal, 180/190?
You've been a big help, many thanks!!!