AC Compressor swap..

[cyrilraymond]

Since mine crapped on me a week or so ago. I plan on replacing it myself.
Any thoughts on how hard this is. Most say its a PITA! but I wont have a shop do it just because I dont want to pay someone.
I am not the most mechanically inclined but with a manual and a friend or 2 I figured it could be done in a few hours?

It happened at VA Speed open house. It was not blowing cold air on the way there but I have never had it charged. The noise it made ED said the compressor was shot. But could it but the clutch assembly is shot? I will get a video of the noise tomorrow. Because it didnt make the rattling noise on the way there.

[RonC5]

System has to be evacuated first, all belts and water pump removed to get the compressor out. You need to also replace the drier and the oriface tube. The system will need to be flushed and then recharged. Not something for a novice, find someone with experience doing this type of work.

[Sneaks]

Ed is back at Va Speed? When did this happen? Last time I was there, he had left.
As for the compressor, it's a pretty straight forward job. Like Ron said above, belts, water pump have to come off to replace it. Find the low pressure side shrader valve and give it a push. If you hear hissing, like air coming out, then you "should" have it evacuated first. That's up to you. It won't do the system any harm if you don't, but there are federal laws governing recovery of refrigerant.
You WILL need a professional to vacuum and replace the R-134. Also, since you have to remove the water pump anyway, might as well replace it also. It isn't a big ticket item, so two birds with one stone thing.

[DropTheTop]

One thing I've always wondered - When you do work to an A/C system, how long can you drive around before getting it filled and charged?

[Sneaks]

One thing I've always wondered - When you do work to an A/C system, how long can you drive around before getting it filled and charged?

Depends on how fast you want to kill your new compressor. Driving around with a new compressor without PAG oil and freon is a fast way to blow several hundred bucks.

[DropTheTop]

That's what I feared. So what's the best process for the DIY guy to do the grunt work, but have it filled/charged professionally?

[RonC5]

yep.

[Sneaks]

That's what I feared. So what's the best process for the DIY guy to do the grunt work, but have it filled/charged professionally?

Do the work, let the compressor suck up a shot of PAG oil and refrigerant, then drive it to whomever you're going to have do the work. Or, just make sure to leave the HVAC control off and drive it to the mechanic. The clutch itself won't be harmed, and the compressor will be fine so long as the clutch isn't engaged.

[Chuck A]

can i harm ac compressor if i have no freon is in it, and the compressor is running?

[Sneaks]

If there is no PAG oil in it, yes.