AC Compressor Question

'02SilverBullet · May 27, 2008

I am planning on replacing my AC compressor FINALLY. It has been ratteling like a paint can for several months now. It looks like a pretty straight forward job.... 3 bolts holding the compressor in and 2 lines hooked to it I think. I have called around today and found out its going to cost me roughly 100 bux to have the system evacuated and then recharged. I am planning on going ahead and replacing the oriface (sp?) tube also while I have the system apart. The reason im only doing that is cuz its cheap and the compressor itself (as it sits now) is still good. Its just the clutch is gone on it.

Ok so my question is this.... Does anyone have a Haynes manual to refer to or know how much oil Im sposed to use in the compressor when I install it? It seems I have read on the net somewhere that it only takes an ounce or 2. I checked with AZ today and they say 8.5 ounces.

Any other tips or tricks to this job is welcome too BTW!
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eliteJAE · May 27, 2008

100 BUCKS TO EVACUATE AND CHARGE IT??!?!! they be rippin you off man find a mechanic or someone who works in HVAC to lend you their tools for an hour or something. I've been doing that same process for years with my dad with commercial and residential HVAC.

All you really need is a vacuum pump, a set of gauges, and some gas (i think R134a). I don't see how that costs 100 dolla if you do manage to borrow that stuff, just suck the lines clean with the vacuum, then pressurize slowly with the gas

Good luck man

bhuff30 · May 27, 2008

I don't think 100$ is a bad price for letting someone else evacuate and fill the system. Of course, it is much cheaper to do yourself if you have the tools and knowledge.

You can rent a vacuum pump from most places that rent industrial/heavy duty tools.

Does your new compressor have a pulley on it? This could be a snag if you don't have the right tools.

'02SilverBullet · May 27, 2008

Ok that price was 70 bucks for evacuate and recharge plus the price of freeon. Wich will prolly come close to $100 when all is said and done. My question is how much oil do I put in the compressor before I install it? Anyone know?

bhuff30 · May 27, 2008

Far as I know, the oil is added with the freon. It is difficult to know exactly how much oil to add because you aren't replacing the condensor (it can collect oil). Just, tell the shop what you've done and let them take care of the oil.

BobHyatt · May 27, 2008

'02SilverBullet said:
I am planning on replacing my AC compressor FINALLY. It has been ratteling like a paint can for several months now. It looks like a pretty straight forward job.... 3 bolts holding the compressor in and 2 lines hooked to it I think. I have called around today and found out its going to cost me roughly 100 bux to have the system evacuated and then recharged. I am planning on going ahead and replacing the oriface (sp?) tube also while I have the system apart. The reason im only doing that is cuz its cheap and the compressor itself (as it sits now) is still good. Its just the clutch is gone on it.

Ok so my question is this.... Does anyone have a Haynes manual to refer to or know how much oil Im sposed to use in the compressor when I install it? It seems I have read on the net somewhere that it only takes an ounce or 2. I checked with AZ today and they say 8.5 ounces.

Any other tips or tricks to this job is welcome too BTW!
__________________

What you want to do is take the old compressor, after you remove it, and drain the oil out. Add that much oil + 2 oz to the new compressor. Or if you want to be sloppy, you can wing it and add 4-5 oz and probably be perfectly OK.

You should replace the accumulator/drier however, not because of trash but because of age. It has a drying agent inside that doesn't last forever. But one note, any compressor I have installed always requires a new drier or the warranty is voided, which is a point to consider.

COramprat · May 28, 2008

Why remove the compressor just to swap the clutch? If it is still cooling properly I'd just take care of the clutch. You can do that in about 2 hours and not have to remove the compressor or any of the hassle that involves.

flstang65 · May 28, 2008

COramprat said:
Why remove the compressor just to swap the clutch? If it is still cooling properly I'd just take care of the clutch. You can do that in about 2 hours and not have to remove the compressor or any of the hassle that involves.

+1

A puller and small adjustable impact should be just fine.

BobHyatt · May 28, 2008

flstang65 said:
+1

A puller and small adjustable impact should be just fine.

The only issue is that clutches are becoming harder to find. It is so easy to install one improperly and not get the air gap right, and cause it to slip, overheat, and ruin the front seal on the compressor itself. Several times we have looked for a clutch for a specific vehicle (last was a taurus) and had every auto parts store we tried say "no clutch available, compressor only"...

flstang65 · May 29, 2008

i had a 94 escort gt and no problem finding both. that was last summer i believe. guess it dependson the car.

rabidscoobie · May 29, 2008

The r134 stuff shouldnt need oil and my local autozone has the pump that they loan out....just had to put upa $300 deposit.Doin it yourself is fairly easy and the web has a ton of write ups on how to evacuate the system.I did it myself a few months back and it was very simple and I had never touched an ac before that.

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