Hello. I am looking for step by step instructions for replacing my ac compressor on my 1994. I have the Chilton repair manual, but it doesn't have instructions. I have the new compressor, dryer ,orifice tube and cans of r-134. It appears that I may need to rent a vaccum and gauge. Thanks for the help. JD

 

1) Compressor and dryer are bolt off/ bolt on. No real magic here
2) Keep all openenings to atmosphere covered with a plastic baggie and rubber band until you are ready for re-install
3) replace any "O" rings you come across
4) coat new "O" rings with correct PAG oil before install
5) Tighten all Line connection snuggly, but don't King Kong them
6) Getting old oriface tube out will be the hardest job. They are wedged in there, and won't just pop out. Suggest a small investment in oriface tube removal tool.
7) Yes, you need to rent or buy a gauge set and vacumm pump. Harbor Freight sells a decent 2.5CFM vacymm pump a cheap gaue set. They work fine for the occasional AC DIY'er .....Do not skip the vacumm step. You need to remove all air/moisture before charge. After vacumm, let system sit idle for 1/2 to 1 hour and make sure no leaks.
8) You will need to add some PAG oil as well as R134a. Your old compressor and receiver/dryer will have residual oil in them that you will need to replace. Try to drain them and measure amount that is lost. New oil should be added directly to compressor prior to install. After install turn compressor by hand a couple dozen times CC and CCW to distribute oil in pistons.

http://www.amazon.com/Interdynamics-.../dp/B002G1UNEO

 

Great! Thanks for the help. I'll tackle it this weekend.

 

Keep in mind that the system probably has over 100 psi in it..get it all out before loosening anything.....in another post someone loosened up the compressor manifold..and took a refrigerant bath...

 

hold on before you get hurt. Step 1 you must evaculate the system. Some things are best left to the pros, not being smart but it is not as easy as 123 and the chances of being hurt or blinded are real!!

 

The last time I posted something like that...I almost got lynched...even though its very true...you don't want this stuff spraying in you're eyes!!

 

IE, wear googles, gloves and a long sleeve shirt.

Oil Capacity is 8 ozs. Flush what's in the new compressor by draining what came in it. Fill with 4 ozs and crank the shaft as outlined. Drain and repeat leaving 4 ozs in it.

Most of the oil is usually in the Accumulator so whatever drains out, add back in plus an ounce. Put an ounce in the orifice hole.

 

I admit it. I had no idea anyone else remembered that. Yes, but luckily the refrigerant sparyed out directly at me and didn't get the car or engine. I remember the whole garage was in a fog of refrigerant and compressor oil, and I was wet too.

 

I usually assume most know to make sure it's empty. Legally, it needs to be reclaimed. The old method - outlined in most Manuals prior to the Regs - was to take a Charge Hose and put one end in a coke bottle and then attach the other to the Low Side fitting. You would then measure any oil that came with it and add that back. Of course you still wore gloves and googles, etc. Speaking of hoses, watch the cheapos from the Discounters. I've had the quick connects fall off while pulling a vacuum which then sucks in a ton of air meaning you start over - including buying another Dryer if you're serious about it. A decent gage and hose set is about $100, but when the neighbors see what you're doing, you'll get it back fixing their a/c's.

 

LOL, I think it's a testosterone issue; some have too much and are reckless while others too little and fear their own shadow. Opposite ends of the spectrum; fortunately most of us fall in-between.

All needed is the application of common sense and care, like first relieving the pressure at the Schrader valve (just as you would with the fuel system) covered with towels/rags, etc.

I mean, GEEZZ, Come-on, ...

Jake

 

release into the air is not good and anginst the law. Why dont we just drain our oil and let it run down the driveway?