AC repair

[talon2swords]

I think I need to replace an AC compressor on my 99 Lumina, 3.1l.

What is the general consensus for replacing this thing: just save up plenty of $$$ and take it to a professional or is it possible to replace it at home? Anyone here done this?

I guess one disadvantage would be that I would not be able to flush the system.

Thanks.

[pocket-rocket]

Your going to get bent over if you take it somewhere to have it done. I was going to change mine on the 92, then take it to a place to have it pumped down. But, then I found out they have compressed air operated vacuums at Harbor Freight, so I was going to buy one of those and the gauges and do it myself. A long time ago, Lorenzo (GPSE3400) and Taylor (3100 MPFI) told me about a product called Freeze 12 that works just as good, if not better then R12. The best part is you don't need a license for it, and you don't have to do any conversion work to your existing A/C system to use it.

Freeze 12 on ebay

http://www.freeze12.com/

[3100 MPFI]

That freeze 12 stuff is awesome. I need to pick up a can of it for my STE.

My gold car got swapped to OBD 2, and while I had the engine out, I just went ahead and swapped in the complete newer setup, so it will be R134a instead of R12.

Replacing the compressor yourself is not that hard to do, but you can't leave the system open. You just have to get the parts ready, and swap it all out as fast as you can.

I generally get the new compressor, and fill it with AC oil (pour some in, turn the clutch, pour some in, turn the clutch) until it is filled, or takes in as much as it is suppose too (been a few years since I did it), then I get it swapped in, but before I run it, I swap out the accumulator, and the orifice valve.

If you do it yourself, most places will not honor your warranty unless you buy the new accumulator, and orifice right then at the same time.

I never used a vacuum pump on my system. I just ran it, and let the heating and cooling of the system pressureize it, and it took in 3 cans of freeze 12 without any other work.

[Barry]

I do my own air, and it now blows ~40 degree air, just in time for summer.

[Canyonero]

Advance Auto Parts has a "How-To Video Clinic" on A/C systems that I found very useful (especially since the GM truck they worked on has the exact same A/C system as my Trooper).
Definitely worth watching.

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/mediaplayer/mediaplayer_clinics.asp

Scroll down the list and look for "AC & Cooling System 101".

[gpse3400]

'99 Model year will have to use 134A. Replace the accumulator as well with a new one and you should be set

[IsaacHayes]

I have the same style compressor probably as you do. They are known for leaking around the seams of the housing. I found a NOS one on ebay for $55 shipped. I vacuumed down the system as not only do you need to boil away any moisture that got in there but you should not operate it with air inside the system that will affect cooling. I did not change out any other parts and the system has been working great. 3 cans of 134a is not cheap so make sure you got everything squared away right. I use manifold gauges too.

[talon2swords]

I have the same style compressor probably as you do. They are known for leaking around the seams of the housing. I found a NOS one on ebay for $55 shipped. I vacuumed down the system as not only do you need to boil away any moisture that got in there but you should not operate it with air inside the system that will affect cooling. I did not change out any other parts and the system has been working great. 3 cans of 134a is not cheap so make sure you got everything squared away right. I use manifold gauges too.

yeah, I've been reading up on it a little bit. I know I have to replace dryer unit with compressor. I guess flushing system is optional, depending on if contamination is present.

One place recommended going ahead and installing an inline replacable filter, I wonder if that is worth it.

Anyhow, I guess a can buy a vacuum pump somewhere. Where does that connect, the low port? Just suck all the air out? Thanks again.

Edit:

Oh I see some instructions at the Ebay site. That seems to answer my question.

[94GPGTP]

Yea I have to replace my Compressor Too.. Its leaking behind the clutch.. Is that a common problem?? I have a Compressor to replace it and i was thinking to rebuild it or not.. It has been sitting for awhile how can i clean it?? I also saw a screen in one of the ports that the line hooks up to.. That should get cleaned right?? There is dye in the system and i can see all the little splatters from the belt throwing it all over..