Did you take the radiator shroud off yet?
this is done from under the car, bunch a bolts and a few clips.
spray the area where the condenser sits in the radiator clips with wd40, then carefully tap the condenser up slowly from side to side.
it should just pop off.

 

Just the top shroud I didn't realize the bottom had to come off also, BIG Thanks!!!

 

Yow.
Have you decided on a flush methodology yet? You spoke of changing the lines, but I would think they will flush well. I worry more about the evaporator. Maybe a two way flush will do the trick.

 

The system is back together and is working like new . When I flushed the evaporator , I had hoses and a funnel MacGyver 'ed to the lines . I filled the evap with flush and let it set for a while then hit it with air pressure . In all I put 48oz's thru it . The last that came out was as clear as when it went in.
I got the compresser and condenser kit , new radiator , water pump from RockAuto . There were odds and ends that I got at the local NAPA . The old water pump and radiator were not giving me any problems but since I had it apart .
I haven't totaled the receipts but I am pretty sure the total is around 1100$ . I would not have wanted to see the labor on this project . When I had the system charged the shop owner told me to do everything it would have been around 4000$ . One of the early commenters said it was a job for professionals . It comes down to how good of a mechanic you are and knowing what your limits are . There is not much that I have not done over the years . However I would never want to work as a mechanic .

 

Well exactly. Congratulations on the success of your project, and may the gods of HVAC smile on your blood, sweat, and tears and provide a long, long life for your new compressor.

 

every new compressor I’ve ever replaced has oil already in it.

 

The box was clearly marked " NO OIL " . That was the only one I've seen that didn't have some oil .

 

I installed a Four Seasons compressor kit in my 97 last year. I did not replace any lines. worked great. had the shop recharge it.

 

replaced compressor at chevy dealer and got lifetime warranty. Best investment, a/c blows ice cold since. Old one started to leak oil. Paid bout $1300 installed bout 5 years ago. Very happy.
Do it!

 

God bless the child who can do his own...who can do his own.

 

If your compressor failed and did not send metal into the system, Then the compressor can be replaced without replacing any other parts.

When a compressor fails and sends metal into the system, further inspection is required before deciding which parts to replace. Start at the expansion device (TXV or Orifice Tube). If no signs of debris is observed, then replacing the evaporator is a complete waste of time and money. The flow path of refrigerant carries debris into the condensor. The condensor has very fine/small passages that will almost certainly get restricted. It is nearly impossible to flush/clean a modern parallel flow condensor.

Downstream from the condensor is the R/D can (Receiver/Dryer). The R/D will trap metal particles. The R/D also contains the system desiccant. If you replace the condensor, replace the R/D. It is always a good idea to replace the R/D on high mileage/older vehicles. A new R/D will renew the system desiccant and help remove moisture from the system.

Oil balancing needs to happen whenever a compressor is replaced I have attached a document that describes Oil Balancing

My professional advice: Find someone with a Recovery Recycle Recharge machine who knows what they are doing. Without the right tools you will not be happy with the results and you may experience a second compressor failure.

 

Thanks, Dave. That A/C balance document was sweet.