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AC compressor replacement question

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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 10:42 AM
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Default AC compressor replacement question

So I'm getting ready to fix my compressor that I have been putting off forever now. I have RoccoC5's write-up printed up and will be using as a guide.

Just wondering from the others that have done this job already, any new tips or tricks discovered, something you could or would have done differently?

I will also be replacing my condenser at the same time as well.

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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:16 AM
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I would take it to a shop without the AC belt on to get it charged. Those cans you buy at the auto parts store are really difficult to get a good seal on the connector for charging. I lost a lot of refrigerant while trying to fill mine due to the bad connection. If you lose any, then it's really difficult to know how much you are putting in the system.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by SaberD
I would take it to a shop without the AC belt on to get it charged. Those cans you buy at the auto parts store are really difficult to get a good seal on the connector for charging. I lost a lot of refrigerant while trying to fill mine due to the bad connection. If you lose any, then it's really difficult to know how much you are putting in the system.
Do you mean driving to the shop un-belted then reinstalling the belt once there?
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:19 PM
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Make sure one of the cans of refrigerant that gets used to recharge the system after repairs contains ICE-32, or its direct equivalent.
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Old Sep 28, 2017 | 11:51 PM
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good luck!
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 07:05 AM
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Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Make sure one of the cans of refrigerant that gets used to recharge the system after repairs contains ICE-32, or its direct equivalent.
Check, thanks!

Originally Posted by pewter99
good luck!
That doesn't sound encouraging lol!!
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 07:38 AM
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I replaced my compressor in 2015. The kit was fairly cheap, about $300. The hardest part was flushing all of the crap out of the system. I squirted solvent in with a large syringe and then used air to blow it through the system. Took over 2 gallons before it started coming out clear. I then pushed A/C system cleaner through it just to be safe. After that I pulled a vacuum on it and then charged it. Its been working great ever since.
Good Luck, Its really not that hard if you are a little mechanically inclined
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 08:08 AM
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^If the OP is changing the condenser it probably wont require as much cleaning.
I got a $100 compressor off Amazon two years ago and it is running strong. Some compressors come with oil already in them and some don't. If not make sure you add oil. Change the orifice tube (of coarse).
I use a meat thermometer in the center vent verify it's working properly.
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by chris308
Do you mean driving to the shop un-belted then reinstalling the belt once there?
I would have them install it after they fill it with refrigerant because they will need to run it to check the pressure. I'm just not sure if it's ok to run the compressor without refrigerant even if the oil is already in there. Maybe someone else can chime in on this.
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 02:35 PM
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The compressor clutch will not engage without freon because of the pressure switch.
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Old Sep 29, 2017 | 05:19 PM
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You could just unplug the two pin connector going to the compressor to keep the clutch from engaging or simply turn off the HVAC.
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Old Sep 30, 2017 | 02:27 AM
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exactly.
mount everything including the belt and have it refilled.

I used the same write-up. Not a hard job.
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