a/c system
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 251
Likes: 60
From: Peru Indiana
a/c system
In the spring I will have to replace the a/c compressor . I have avoided doing for the last 2 seasons , but the time has come . I am thinking of replacing the refrigerant lines at the same time . Has anyone else done this ? Any problems doing this ? Looking on Rockauto there are 2 seperate lines and not that expensive .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 405
From: Horseshoe Bend ID
This is a job for professionals. The system needs to be evacuated first. You should also replace the evaporator and have the system flushed before re-filling.
Last edited by jcgunn; Jan 1, 2024 at 07:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 251
Likes: 60
From: Peru Indiana
I had a professional replace the compressor on my Chevy Blazer . He didn't put any oil in . burnt the compressor up . I'm not a professional but have installed several ac units in street rods and have had no problems . I will have the system evacuated before I take it a part . I only inquired here to see if anyone had any tips or tricks .
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,762
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From: Orlando Florida
This link has an excellent reference document link embeded:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-write-up.html
Some of the additional links are long gone or broken, but the main link (http://c5.plus.beer/misc/C5%20AC%20C...eplacement.pdf) worked for me just a moment ago.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-write-up.html
Some of the additional links are long gone or broken, but the main link (http://c5.plus.beer/misc/C5%20AC%20C...eplacement.pdf) worked for me just a moment ago.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 681
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Here is a good service guideline document from AC Delco.
I am curious why you are considering replacing the lines. Are you thinking just the suction/discharge hose assembly or the all metal liquid line too?
I am curious why you are considering replacing the lines. Are you thinking just the suction/discharge hose assembly or the all metal liquid line too?
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Race Director
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Replacing the evaporator is a Helluva job, and if you're paying a shop to do it, it's around $2,000-up!!! This is for just the evaporator and new actuators. The evap would be the last thing I would consider replacing. HOWEVER-anyone who has had a compressor fail internally, like a seizure, or other internal mechanical failure, should replace everything. The evap, condenser, compressor, accumulator, and lines.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 681
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Mitch45 has not explained why the compressor needs replacing. For example, mine has leakage from the body o-rings but no internal damage. If the compressor has not had a mechanical failure sending debris into the system, then an orifice tube, accumulator dehydrator, replace o-rings/seal washers, and an oil charge balance should be good for many years.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 251
Likes: 60
From: Peru Indiana
The compressor leaks . For the last several seasons I have had to have it charged .This past season I had to add 134 twice . Will probably just change the suction/discharge hose , but I plan or removing all the lines to inspect and replace the o-rings. Once I get the orifice tube out it will tell me the condition of the system and what further steps I need to take . And will replace the water pump since it will be off and fresh coolant .
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 187
Likes: 120
Had the same thing on my 2000 Corvette. AC quit working and there was green compressor oil around the compressor housing where the housing O rings were leaking. I try to use Delco/Delphi parts but had a hard time finding an OE compressor and the online vendors that claimed to have them wanted $600. The only other options I saw seemed to be made in China. I ended up buying the compressor O ring kits from Auto Zone and had a local shop remove any remaining refrigerant. I then removed and disassembled the compressor and reassembled with new O rings. Took it back to a local shop for evac and recharge and worked great all last summer. I realize not everyone wants to go that far. I had never seen the inside of a compressor before and it wasn’t a difficult job with the help of others on this forum. All this to say I was determined not to give up the OE Delphi compressor that was made in Ohio.
Last edited by Midwest19942000; Jan 4, 2024 at 06:40 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 681
Likes: 275
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Had the same thing on my 2000 Corvette. AC quit working and there was green compressor oil around the compressor housing where the housing O rings were leaking. I try to use Delco/Delphi parts but had a hard time finding an OE compressor and the online vendors that claimed to have them wanted $600. The only other options I saw seemed to be made in China. I ended up buying the compressor O ring kits from Auto Zone and had a local shop remove any remaining refrigerant. I then removed and disassembled the compressor and reassembled with new O rings. Took it back to a local shop for evac and recharge and worked great all last summer. I realize not everyone wants to go that far. I had never seen the inside of a compressor before and it wasn’t a difficult job with the help of others on this forum. All this to say I was determined not to give up the OE Delphi compressor that was made in Ohio.
That is great that you were able to successfully replace your body o-rings. I launch of that compressor back in 1996. Given all the work it takes to remove and install the compressor on a C5 I decided last year that I would not attempt to repair my weeping compressor so I searched and searched around until I found a Delphi service compressor for sale.
When I do get around to replacing it, I’ll give the new o-ring rebuild a try on the old leaky one and keep it on the shelf as a spare. I’m sure I’ll never find a Delphi replacement unit in another 20 years.
By the way, the V7 compressor for the Corvette was assembled in a Delphi Harrison/Daewoo Automotive joint venture plant in Korea. A few of the more critical components were manufactured in Moraine Ohio but the actual compressor assembly was in Korea.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 187
Likes: 120
That is great that you were able to successfully replace your body o-rings. I launch of that compressor back in 1996. Given all the work it takes to remove and install the compressor on a C5 I decided last year that I would not attempt to repair my weeping compressor so I searched and searched around until I found a Delphi service compressor for sale.
When I do get around to replacing it, I’ll give the new o-ring rebuild a try on the old leaky one and keep it on the shelf as a spare. I’m sure I’ll never find a Delphi replacement unit in another 20 years.
By the way, the V7 compressor for the Corvette was assembled in a Delphi Harrison/Daewoo Automotive joint venture plant in Korea. A few of the more critical components were manufactured in Moraine Ohio but the actual compressor assembly was in Korea.
When I do get around to replacing it, I’ll give the new o-ring rebuild a try on the old leaky one and keep it on the shelf as a spare. I’m sure I’ll never find a Delphi replacement unit in another 20 years.
By the way, the V7 compressor for the Corvette was assembled in a Delphi Harrison/Daewoo Automotive joint venture plant in Korea. A few of the more critical components were manufactured in Moraine Ohio but the actual compressor assembly was in Korea.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
Its not that bad to do.
You need to take off the radiator cover on top 4 bolts
Then you will need to take off the radiator shroud, not the whole radiator
The condenser sits on plastic clips, I sprayed them with WD before popping the condenser up and off the radiator.
Obviously disconnect the two Freon lines before doing so.
You need to take off the radiator cover on top 4 bolts
Then you will need to take off the radiator shroud, not the whole radiator
The condenser sits on plastic clips, I sprayed them with WD before popping the condenser up and off the radiator.
Obviously disconnect the two Freon lines before doing so.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 5
From: Orlando,Fl,USA
I got the two lines & the top shroud off. I have a Tranny cooler attached to the front of condenser that I need to remove with those plastic holders through the coils, what a PIA they are to remove. Once I get that off the condenser will slide up & off? It looks like it's not moving, Should I tap it up with a hammer? I have a new condenser so no care if the old one breaks just concerned that I don't break the radiator & the supports.