A/C compressor removal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,305
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From: PA
A/C compressor removal
Looking to replace fuel lines on my 80 and it appears in the front this will be much easier with the A/C compressor out of the way. I've unmounted it in the past and simply set it off to the side while doing other work. But as it doesn't work anyway I figure I might as well take it out until I get around to tackling the engine and transmission rebuild/replacements.
I don't want to make a major operation out of this. My question, is it possible to pull the compressor and hoses to it out without dismantling other major items.
I don't want to make a major operation out of this. My question, is it possible to pull the compressor and hoses to it out without dismantling other major items.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I can say that I can install a new steel fuel line from the pump to carb WITHOUT having to touch the A/C compressor. And as for the two rubber 'S' shaped hoses...the same goes for them also. I do not take anything off to replace them.
DUB
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,815
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From: Wichita Kansas
If the gas is out of the A/C system, seems you should be able to remove the a/c manifold/muffler from the compressor, unplug a couple of electrical connections, then remove the compressor. As far as the removing the muffler and accompanying hoses, trace back/forward to where they hook on to, one to the desiccant container and the other to the valve next to the evaporator and disconnect them at those locations. The rest you can then can remove at your leisure; the big 'in the way' pieces will then be gone.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,305
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From: PA
Thanks, Dub and Kansas
Thanks both for the feedback. Eventually the compressor and all will need to come out as it leaked from about 1982 on (and I checked this evening, it is empty though, surprisingly it hissed for 3 or 4 seconds). And the heater core blew out after about 20 minutes of the engine running when I first started it 2 years ago after a 7 or 8 yr run without starting.
That said, if I can get the fuel lines replace without the hassle of removing the other "junk" I'd like to just keep moving on things. Guess I'll try without taking things out and go from there.
That said, if I can get the fuel lines replace without the hassle of removing the other "junk" I'd like to just keep moving on things. Guess I'll try without taking things out and go from there.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
It is GOOD SIGN that you got a slight 'hiss' out of your A/C system . BUT....now knowing that it has been opened up. I would keep it sealed up the VERY BEST you can even if that means putting back on any lines you took out due to once moisture gets in the system. And knowing that the accumulator can be replaced. What can happen is IF the system is left open. Moisture can get into your condenser and along with the oil in the system it can begin a corrosion effect INTERNALLY on your components that were still protected by it still having slight pressure on it.
I looked at a 1981 and YES...even with the smog pump on it I know I can get the fuel line to the carb to come up out of the car by turning it while pulling it up from the top. And you will find you may need to thread it back into place again when installing it. The compressor is not in the are between the plate bracket that mounts to the water pump so it is not an interference problem. Or at least for me it is not.
DUB
I looked at a 1981 and YES...even with the smog pump on it I know I can get the fuel line to the carb to come up out of the car by turning it while pulling it up from the top. And you will find you may need to thread it back into place again when installing it. The compressor is not in the are between the plate bracket that mounts to the water pump so it is not an interference problem. Or at least for me it is not.
DUB
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 226
From: PA
Dub, Thanks for the notice on the A/C. Since I haven't pulled any hoses on it yet and didn't lose the little seal that sits in the schrader valve cap, I'll just leave it alone for now. I am guessing it should all be tight still. I guess the leaking that it had through most of it's life was on the high pressure side. If I do need to get anything out of the way I'll just start by moving what I can with the hoses still attached. That's what I did when I installed headers years ago. Your guidance on the carb fuel line I suspect will work on my '80 since there weren't too many options that affected the layout of the engine compartment in those years.
