| A/C Retrofit -- Replacing the Compressor and Related Parts |
From "Weekend Mechanic"
episode WKM-110 |
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Installing a New Compressor and Related Parts With the a/c system flushed, and worn-out parts removed, the next phase of the upgrade is to replace the compressor, accumulator, drive belt and other related parts.
- The old, cracked compressor drive-belt will replaced with a new one (figure A).
- Though the vehicle's air-filter is not directly related to the a/c system, since the filter and housing needs to be removed for the repair, it's a convenient time to go ahead and replace the old filter with a new one (figure B).
- As discussed earlier, the old orifice tube -- which is a metering device for the a/c system -- is to be replaced with a new one (figure C), making certain it's installed in the proper orientation.
- Replacing the drive-belt, air filter and orifice tube are all inexpensive preventive maintenance that should be performed during this repair and upgrade.
- The major a/c components to be replaced are the accumulator, the clutch-cycling switch (figure D) and, of course, the compressor itself (figure E).
- The new (or remanufactured) compressor may come with an internal packing lubricant inside. This lubricant must be removed before the compressor is installed. Remove the drain plugs from the back of the compressor, and drain the lubricant into a drain tray (figure F). You may need to turn the clutch-hub a few times to force all of the packing-lubricant out.
- Replace the packing oil with a compressor lubricant that is compatible with the upgrade refrigerant system. In our case, the appropriate lubricant is a PAG (polyalkylene glycol) oil. This is the best type of oil for R-134A systems.
- Use a funnel to pour the appropriate amount of the new lubricant into the compressor (figure G). Check your service manual for the capacity of your compressor.
- Rotate the clutch-hub a few times to make sure that the lubricant is introduced throughout the inside of the compressor.
- With the oil installed, cap the oil ports with the plugs you removed earlier (figure H).
- The last step in preparing the compressor for installation is to install the fan switch. Use pliers to remove the temporary plug in the new compressor (figure I).
- Use the fan switch from the original compressor. The switch is held in place by a retainer ring (figure J).
- With the fan switch installed, you can now begin reassembling the entire system prior to charging it with new refrigerant.
- Install the new compressor, reversing the procedures you used to remove the old one.
- Install the new drive belt (figure K).
- Install the new orifice-tube and filter (figure L).
- Tip: Lightly oil the O-ring on the orifice tube to help ensure a longer life for the part. Do the same for the O-ring for the line connection. Use PAG oil to lubricate the rings.
- Remove the old low-pressure (clutch-cycling) switch that went bad, causing the compressor to fail.
- Oil and replace the O-ring for the connector where the new switch attaches (figure M).
- Install the new switch (figure N).
- Reconnect the condenser lines (figure O), as well as all remaining electrical hookups.
- Re-install the air-filter housing (figure P), install the new air-filter, and replace the cover (figure Q).
- The new accumulator is installed last (figure R), as it's best to keep it capped and the desiccant sealed from moisture until just before the part is installed.
In the segment that follows, the new R-134A refrigerant is added to the upgraded system.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
How Cars Work
Author: Tom Newton
ISBN: 0966862309
Publisher: Black Apple Press
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
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