If you don't mind I will add your link to the C5 Tech DIY thread

 

Awesome, Simply awesome.
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to put this write-up together, you did a great job.
This not only gives crystal clear instructions but it allows me to do the repairs and not be at the mercy of someone who doesn't have the regard for my car that I do.
Thanks to you, I now feel that "I am smarter than a fifth grader".
Thank you.
C.V.

 

Greetings again.
I just wanted to pause and say that you and the guys here on the Forum are just great.
Once again I wanted to thank you for this outstanding masterpeice of instructions on how to replace the A/C Compressor on my C5 Vette
I followed your instructions step by step and when I was done my compressor was replaced.
You not only saved me some hard earned money but I feel like just won the Super Bowl because I was able to do it all by myself
If I was standing in front of you I would be proud to shake your hand look you in the eye a say , thank you for your unselfishness and for sharing some super information.
I drove my car tonight in 100 degrees and my A/c just sat there blowing cold 42 degree much welcomed air in my face.
Yes life is lovely, Yes life is Gooooood.................. once again.
Thank you so much Again,
C.V.

 

Man, I'm really glad it was helpful and that everything went well. It's the least I could do to give back after the endless help I've received here.

 

Rocco, in your write-up, you used PAG 46 compressor oil.
Shouldn't it be PAG 150?

DG

 

thank you rocco im going to have to replace mine very soon. the clutch squeeks all the time. this will aid me very much thank you again. awesome write up

 

Terrific write-up. Thanks for the info

Chuck

 

Honestly I don't recall how I came to this link, but here's what I referred to for lubrication requirements: http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/pi/ac/lubrication.htm

Since it's not an A-6 or R-4 compressor (it's a V-7), says it gets PAG 46.

 

Very nicely and professionally done!

 

I need to replace the comp. on my ride and this will be a great help.
Thanks for your time and effort. Great writeup and pictures.

 

I did a little research on the PAG oil.
Seems that up until 2006 GM used PAG 150 (#12345923) in the C5 type compressors, and just about all other types.
In 2006, they issued a TSB # 02-01-39-004 converting most of their compressors to a PAG 46 oil (12378526). This oil is supposed to have better lubrication properties. It is a retrofit for the C5-type, but not for the old R4 and A6 types. It is used in all new compressors.

So, it would seem that when redoing a C5 system, one should use either PAG 150 again, which originally came in it, or the new GM PAG 46 (with the "enhanced lubrication" properties).

I think this change in 2006 is why some of the Delco/Delphi data is kinda misleading regarding current oil recommendations.

DG

 

Thanks so much Rocco Next time I'm in Phoenix (usually near the Falcon Field airport) I'll be sure to send a PM so I can buy you dinner. That write up is much appreciated. I agree the bolt on the back of the compressor holding the manifold/lines to the compressor is the biggest pain, especially if once you have the whole thing nearly back together & try using the vacuum, it won't build any suction (Dang washer fell off before I bolted the manifold down)

Just did the work yesterday, left it on vacuum all night, charged today, works great. Hopefully will work tomorrow as my a/c would only leak enough to not be cold, but wouldn't ever actually leak enough out to never turn on the compressor

 

Excellent write-up

I just finished my compressor replacement. I've done a few before, but never on a vette.

I also pulled the condenser to clean the rocks, grass and leaves. Glad I did. The radiator was abt 1/4 clogged with debris!

I used the same flushing fluid as pictured in the write-up. I wasn't very happy with the "fast drying". Some of the fluid was spilled on the driveway. It took over 4 hrs for the stuff to evaporate in full sunshine on a warm/dry day. I've heard that brake cleaner works good. May look into that next time I have to flush a sys.

Thx again for the write-up. It saved me a lot of time!

 

I too had a compressor failure and followed Rocco's excellent write-up to the letter. While everything was apart I also pulled the condensor for flushing and found the uppermost quarter clogged with sand and other debris. It took quite a while to get that junk out without harming the fins.

I found the hardest task to be removal of the orifice from the hard line. That thing was glued in with crud and my needle nose pliers kept slipping off the plastic extraction tab. I finally broke it loose and wrestled it out after soaking it in lacquer thinner and fishing it out with a coat hanger that had a hook bent into one end. For a while it looked as though I might have to buy a new hard line.

The rebuilt system now cools better than when the car was new and it's been three years now. Rocco, you are the man!

 

Anyone know if the linky work for them? Wont come up for me.

 

Sorry, man...should be back up.

 

Very nice job!

 

thanks for sharing

 

Man after reading all that Im ready just to rip all my a/c stuff out and leave it out. I wish these cars came with an a/c option not to have it. Ive never even turned my a/c on in last 7 years.
Nice write up.