A/C Remove Install
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,297
Likes: 63
From: ɹəpun uʍop 'ʎəupʎs
Flush before you remove any more than the compressor - so all the lines are intact and you can clean out all the hard lines, condenser etc. in one go, and before you put the new o-rings in (as they may be damaged by flushing agent).
To flush, I just remove the low pressure line, and reattach it pointing upwards. Add a length of hose and a funnel, and pour the flushing agent in there. Stick a bucket under the high pressure line underneath the car, and use compressed air to blast it through the system.
I start with a couple of quarts of mineral spirits to remove the dirt and old oil (about a 1/2 quart at a time into the funnel, then blast air, repeat). Then I use a quart of more volatile, residue-free stuff (we call it "white spirit" - not sure what its called in the US?), to rinse out the remaining oil and residue from the mineral spirits. Once its all done, pour the bucket contents back into a large suitable container and take it to the local recycling center - it's probably pretty filthy and black
After that, pulling the bits apart is fairly easy - undo the drier connections, and then the nut below the pressure sensors by the drier, and pull those bits out.
I wouldn't bother removing the condenser - unless its specifically in your way for a task (like rebuilding the third hose while its still installed on the car). If you are removing the condenser, then just undo the hose fittings, and then under the car pull the rubber plugs that cover the two M6 bolts which bolt upwards into the condenser frame.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,659
Likes: 426
From: Dubuque, IA
Yeah, all that.
BTW, Jeff, it'd be helpful to know what all you're doing (how much stuff are you replacing and why?). If you're replacing the compressor due to a compressor failure, you might have crap (shavings, gunk, etc.) in the lines. What refrigerant were you running? R-12? If so, are you staying with R-12? Have the O-rings ever been replaced before? Do you have rear A/C?
Also, what additional tools do you have on hand? Vacuum pump? Micron vacuum gauge? Gauge set (gauges/manifold/service hoses)?
BTW, Jeff, it'd be helpful to know what all you're doing (how much stuff are you replacing and why?). If you're replacing the compressor due to a compressor failure, you might have crap (shavings, gunk, etc.) in the lines. What refrigerant were you running? R-12? If so, are you staying with R-12? Have the O-rings ever been replaced before? Do you have rear A/C?
Also, what additional tools do you have on hand? Vacuum pump? Micron vacuum gauge? Gauge set (gauges/manifold/service hoses)?
Anyway. All of the ORings had been replaced by Greg Brown in the past 6 years. This gives me hope that the expansion valve will be able to be removed somewhat easily. I'll have to check my records and see if my expansion valve was replaced by Greg several years ago as well.
I am not planning on charging it myself. I'll have an AC shop do that. They are 2 miles from my house. In this town, that's a 4 min drive.
If the expansion valve was replaced say 5 or six years ago, do I need to do it again?
I have rear air, those ORings were replaced by Greg as well. But since I have an R134a system now, guess those have to go as well.
I'll order up a slew of ORings, beyond those provided by Griffith, and have at it. Might as well figure a whole weekend. Guess in the long run it will be a good thing. Get it done, new compressor and all will be like new.
Need to learn about the high and low side stuff. Not really familiar with all that. Brain is kind of full right now learning about our new chickens (pets for kids and eggs for me). Can't have dogs or cats due to allergies and my reef tank is self sustaining so I needed more to do.
Dan Cover the shipping and you can have the compressor.
