A/C system help.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Rockford MI
A/C system help.
Hello All, getting ready to redo the A/C system on my 78. Have to change out the compressor and accumulator and flush the whole system. Can anyone offer up some pointers on changing out the accumulator? It looks like a real bear to get out of there.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
The only thing that I know of able to access at least one of the accumulator connections in a crows foot. Unfortunately it is either 1 1/16" or 1 1/8". Every "normal" set of those goes up to 1" only. When I looked the cost of either a set or a single was ridiculous save some from Harbor Freight which numerous people said were slightly off-sized.
I took mine ('79) to a local Corvette shop. It took him four days as he had to repeatedly douse the connections with PB Blaster.
Unless you already have the needed wrench and have access to a lift I suggest having someone who has such do it.
If you're converting away from R12 don't forget that ALL of the gaskets and Schraeder valves in the system need to be changed--most certainly for 134A. Some also say that the condenser needs to be replaced as well to get proper cooling with modern refrigerants. I was lucky to have a neighbor with a stash of R12 who owed me a favor or two.
I took mine ('79) to a local Corvette shop. It took him four days as he had to repeatedly douse the connections with PB Blaster.
Unless you already have the needed wrench and have access to a lift I suggest having someone who has such do it.
If you're converting away from R12 don't forget that ALL of the gaskets and Schraeder valves in the system need to be changed--most certainly for 134A. Some also say that the condenser needs to be replaced as well to get proper cooling with modern refrigerants. I was lucky to have a neighbor with a stash of R12 who owed me a favor or two.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Just a few things that I did to make it somewhat easier/more accessible.
Buy the crows foot wrench for the top connection or cut down a 1 1/16 wrench to a shorter length,
Take the right vent off of the fender to allow better access angles for wrenches.
Buy all the wrenches that fit the connections correctly. Big sizes.
Jack the car up and work from underneath.
Consider taking to a shop if not ready to do the above. This job is not fun. It is time consuming.
Feel free to pm me with any specific question. I've done this quite a few times.
Craig
Buy the crows foot wrench for the top connection or cut down a 1 1/16 wrench to a shorter length,
Take the right vent off of the fender to allow better access angles for wrenches.
Buy all the wrenches that fit the connections correctly. Big sizes.
Jack the car up and work from underneath.
Consider taking to a shop if not ready to do the above. This job is not fun. It is time consuming.
Feel free to pm me with any specific question. I've done this quite a few times.
Craig
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 269
From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
I took the hose off the compressor and dropped the accumulator down so I could reach the fittings underneath the car. Had to take off the rocker panel moulding and the fender splash shield.
