fpena944

I'm tired of dealing with my A/C every year so I'm thinking of upgrading the components using the Griffiths Kuehl kit. Is this something that can be done by a below-average mechanic like myself?

I would only be installing the components, then from there I'd take it to an A/C shop to have it filled. Of course while I'm there I'd change the belts since I'm due for that this summer anyway.

Has anyone here replaced all of these components? How tough is this job to do? Should I just pay someone else to do it and be done with it?

MAGK944

Relatively easy to do just a PITA due to location to change the expansion valve, some of the lines and the seals on the evaporator core. I did the compressor, condensor, exp valve and two lines that run to either side of the dryer. Also changed all the seals to R134 compatible seals at every connection. Took a whole day, but I didn't need any assistance.

Mike

fpena944

Did you have to evacuate the system before replacing the components or can you just take it apart without worrying about the refrigerant coming out all over you?

MAGK944

My system had leaked everything out, so nothing left to evacuate. Maybe someone with good a/c skills could chirp in.

fpena944

Bumping this because a lot of resurrected posts ended up on the first page!

MAGK944

As nobody seems to have better a/c skills than me I think your best option would be to contact an a/c specialist. Here are two I have used:

Griffiths

a-aironline

If you don't want to go the Khuel route you can still get a remanufactured oem compressor from A-Air of Volusia for $295 (inc. shipping). The oem compressor works with R134, it would be wise to change all the seals in the system to R134 compatible, I think they are 'nitrile' seals and are cheaply available in all sizes from your local parts store. Would also be wise to change any lines that look aged, the expansion valve, dryer and if you really want to do a complete overhaul, the condenser too. Griffiths has a upgrade for the condenser for $325 with a 3-year warranty.

Hope this helps.

Mike

fpena944

Thanks!

One of the main reasons I was looking at the Kuehl kit was because it was virtually complete. I know it's more expensive but in the long run I figured by replacing everything it would ensure flawless operation for at least the next few years. But I'll give the other links a try.

I appreciate the help!

austin944

Legally you're supposed to evacuate the system, since deliberately discharging refrigerant into the atmosphere violates EPA laws. There may be local/state laws that apply as well.

It's a good idea to have protective goggles and gloves since the escaping refrigerant touching your skin can lead to frostbite. If there's still refrigerant left in the system, it really has to be removed in a controlled manner, you can't just 'take it apart'.

My system had been leaking for a long time, so all of the refrigerant was gone, but if you decide to have a shop evacuate the system, it shouldn't be that expensive. I had it done and it was like $35 or so.

KLR

I did this job last year, and it wasn't bad. I'd list my mechanical skills as average: I change my own oil, brake pads and rotors, took off my intake manifold to replace the vacuum hoses, replaced my radiator, and have done a bunch of suspension work. I wouldn't trust myself to do a timing belt, and it generally takes me about 3 times as long to do most jobs as people suggest it will.

Installing the Kuehl kit took me about a weekend. Everything bolts up fairly easily, but you have to do a bit of fiddling to get all of the hoses placed properly, etc.

If your current AC system is functioning, I would wait for it to give up the ghost. If it isn't functioning because the freon has leaked out, you might want to take to an AC shop to see if you can figure out why. If the expansion valve or evaporator is leaking, installing the new hoses, drier, and compressor is a waste of time and money.