2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C Compressor

[av8r]

2nd of my repair questions.



I need to replace the AC compressor in my truck. (It siezed up, causing burn through of the belt, been running a "bypass" non-AC belt since. ). The A/C shops say the entire system (condenser, evaporator, lines, etc. ) needs to be removed, cleaned and reinstalled. Needless to say this will be extremely expensive.



I think this is overkill. The system has not been opened to atmosphere (yet) since the incident, so if I remove the compressor, check for debris in the lines, install the new compressor then have it vacuumed & recharged this should be fine, right?



Does anyone have any experience or opinions on this?





Thanks in advance.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Are you 100% absolutely sure the compressor is locked up? Failure of the clutch bearing will burn the belt off if the clutch locks up. Try to turn the center part of the clutch, to see if it is in fact locked up. When a compressor fails, depending on type of failure, it will pump a lot of debris into the system such as stainless parts from the valves and teflon particles from the piston rings. It would go through the discharge line into the top of the condenser, if it was able to get all the way through the condenser then it could go into the liquid line back toward the evaporator, if much debris circulated before the shutdown the screen at the orifice tube will be plugged. For all practical purposes, no debris can enter the evaporator or get past the receiver dryer. So, if it were me I would remove the line from the compressor to the condenser, put a clean cloth over one end of it and blow some air through the hose. If you see any evidence of debris then there is probably some in the condenser too. I would remove the condenser, pour something through it that will not harm the system and has a low boil so it's residue can be removed with a vac. pump. Blow through it with air then turn it upside down an blow through it backward. Remove the hose from the condenser to orifice tube and clean it too if you find trash at the orifice tube. If you flush out the system you will have to add some oil when you go back together. You will need to consult a manual to see how much to add for the condenser. Put it all back together with a new orifice tube/screen, evacuate and charge. bg

 

[MCummings]

Check ebay for your compressor and A/C Parts





Merrick