New AC compressor to install
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
New AC compressor to install
I decided it’s probably cheaper to buy a new AC compressor from Summit Racing than spending time to change out the seal on my existing compressor. Summit has an AC Delco remanufactured compressor for $222.99 that looks exactly like the A6 original. They also have a new AC DELCO drier/receiver for $24.99 plus an expansion valve for $30.
Here’s my dilemma : I currently have a mechanic friend who’s not an R12 nor A/C GUY, but he will change out these 3 new parts for me, saving me lots of time but he’s got no way of evacuating the system first of the old R12 and the old oil.
After much reading, won’t I be messing up the system by replacing the compressor, drier and expansion valve without purging the system first? I don’t plan on running the A/C system after he’s replaced these 3 parts, so maybe someone could still purge the system correctly as long as the system hasn’t been run after replacing the 3 items? Would that work?
Before installing the new compressor, is it important to manually install R12 mineral oil into the compressor prior to installing it? I have seen such a procedure detailed online.
Thanks!
Here’s my dilemma : I currently have a mechanic friend who’s not an R12 nor A/C GUY, but he will change out these 3 new parts for me, saving me lots of time but he’s got no way of evacuating the system first of the old R12 and the old oil.
After much reading, won’t I be messing up the system by replacing the compressor, drier and expansion valve without purging the system first? I don’t plan on running the A/C system after he’s replaced these 3 parts, so maybe someone could still purge the system correctly as long as the system hasn’t been run after replacing the 3 items? Would that work?
Before installing the new compressor, is it important to manually install R12 mineral oil into the compressor prior to installing it? I have seen such a procedure detailed online.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2,466
From: Indiana
I decided it’s probably cheaper to buy a new AC compressor from Summit Racing than spending time to change out the seal on my existing compressor. Summit has an AC Delco remanufactured compressor for $222.99 that looks exactly like the A6 original. They also have a new AC DELCO drier/receiver for $24.99 plus an expansion valve for $30.
Here’s my dilemma : I currently have a mechanic friend who’s not an R12 nor A/C GUY, but he will change out these 3 new parts for me, saving me lots of time but he’s got no way of evacuating the system first of the old R12 and the old oil.
After much reading, won’t I be messing up the system by replacing the compressor, drier and expansion valve without purging the system first? I don’t plan on running the A/C system after he’s replaced these 3 parts, so maybe someone could still purge the system correctly as long as the system hasn’t been run after replacing the 3 items? Would that work?
Before installing the new compressor, is it important to manually install R12 mineral oil into the compressor prior to installing it? I have seen such a procedure detailed online.
Thanks!
Here’s my dilemma : I currently have a mechanic friend who’s not an R12 nor A/C GUY, but he will change out these 3 new parts for me, saving me lots of time but he’s got no way of evacuating the system first of the old R12 and the old oil.
After much reading, won’t I be messing up the system by replacing the compressor, drier and expansion valve without purging the system first? I don’t plan on running the A/C system after he’s replaced these 3 parts, so maybe someone could still purge the system correctly as long as the system hasn’t been run after replacing the 3 items? Would that work?
Before installing the new compressor, is it important to manually install R12 mineral oil into the compressor prior to installing it? I have seen such a procedure detailed online.
Thanks!
buy a vacuum pump and gauges.. (not that expensive maybe as payment to your friend..) and when done evacuate the system (pull a vacuum) and check the work.. and leave it until ready to charge..then pull vacuum again (hoping it is pretty much still ok) and go.. don't forget oil when replacing parts..
plenty of posts on charging etc.. r12
if not going r12 different conversation..also helpful to know year etc.. and pics
Last edited by interpon; Apr 8, 2020 at 06:05 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I do all of my stuff at home. I have gauges and a Blue Point vacuum pump.......
I recommend staying with R12......even though it is like $40 a can now......for the simple fact that it is about 30% more efficient than r134a and the Vette A/C system is already challenged by design.
Replace the compressor and pour some mineral oil in it (refer to the service manual for amount)......you will not have to add a lot. A lot of times the compressor will come with oil in it......unknown on an old A6.
Here is some kits that include the expansion valve which I recommend you change as well........
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...nent+kit,17507
I have used Four Seasons brand components for years with zero issues........
I do about 6-8 cars a year for friends and family.......I make a little, but I can tell you that my Bosses boyfriend has a 94 K1500 that I am doing this weekend.......and he was quoted over $900 to replace everything......I am doing it for $450...that includes compressor, reciever/dryer, orifice tube, PAG oil, and both high and low pressure switches.......you can save a pile doing it.
Pearl Harbor freight sells cheap Vacuum pumps and you can get gauges at Amazon........still less than a shop would charge.
Jebby
I recommend staying with R12......even though it is like $40 a can now......for the simple fact that it is about 30% more efficient than r134a and the Vette A/C system is already challenged by design.
Replace the compressor and pour some mineral oil in it (refer to the service manual for amount)......you will not have to add a lot. A lot of times the compressor will come with oil in it......unknown on an old A6.
Here is some kits that include the expansion valve which I recommend you change as well........
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...nent+kit,17507
I have used Four Seasons brand components for years with zero issues........
I do about 6-8 cars a year for friends and family.......I make a little, but I can tell you that my Bosses boyfriend has a 94 K1500 that I am doing this weekend.......and he was quoted over $900 to replace everything......I am doing it for $450...that includes compressor, reciever/dryer, orifice tube, PAG oil, and both high and low pressure switches.......you can save a pile doing it.
Pearl Harbor freight sells cheap Vacuum pumps and you can get gauges at Amazon........still less than a shop would charge.
Jebby
