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Search the board...(more) Posted by Gene N [Email] ![]() ![]() ![]() In Reply to: A/c compressor replacement, Chris, Mon, 10 Feb 2003 02:00:23 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
because this has been covered quite a bit, usually in the summer months. I can tell you that there are four things that you absolutely have to do if you are replacing a bad compressor. 1.) Flush the system with an A/C system cleaner. Some people like to use mineral spirits, brake cleaner or methylethylketone (MEK), but I prefer to use a flush designed for that purpose (HC-141b). 2.) Add the proper type pf oil and the correct amount to the compressor and system. Esther or PAG for R-134a, Ester or mineral oil for R-12. 3.) Pump the system down with a vacuum pump designed for that purpose for at least 30 minutes. Make sure the system holds a vacuum (check it after 5 minutes) then pump it some more (15 minutes). 4.) And this answers your question, replace the dryer. I recommend replacing the expansion valve, and if the compressor seized, I would definitely replace it. Also replace any o-rings on the end of the hoses you take off. Use the green o-rings (HBNR) if the system is a R-134a system or if you are converting to R-134a.
I would also recommend charging by weight rather than the sight glass, as this gives you a more accurate picture of the system. You can also gauge the charge by the manifold pressures, but you need to calculate the pressures that you need based on the temperature and humidity.
To answer your next to last question, I would say leave it to professionals unless you have access to the following equipment: manifold gauge set, vacuum pump, flushing equipment (although you can get by with just a compressed air source). It is possible to do this by yourself the first time without any help, but you should do some research before you start. (Haynes has a reasonable book on the subject.) If you are on good relations with an A/C shop, then perhaps you could put the parts on and have them pump it down and recharge the system, but you would need to do it immediately after you had finished the job. Otherwise, the dryer becomes contaminated with moisture.
And your last question. Someone who has done this before can probably do the whole procedure in 3-4 hours, including the 45 minutes for the vacuum pump cycle. If this your first venture into A/C repair, then double the time.
Hope this helps.
posted by 155.104.24...
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