Is it a big job to replace the compressor. I did a search and nothing on replacing it. Any tips to make it easier to do. Thanks for all the help in advance.
Blazer
Blazer
-
-
It's easy.
-
It's easy to replace. I have not done a GM but I have done several Fords. Things to note is the compressor comes without the clutch since the clutch is more specific to the model. You might as well put a new clutch on it while you are at it. Removing the old one takes a special tool that you can rent from AutoZone. I still have the one for a Ford. OOPS.
Another thing is you should replace the orifice tube or at least clean it out. If you can't get to it like you can on a Ford replace the tube it is in. When a compressor fails it's usually because the seals on the pistons come apart. Those pieces get pushed down the line and get caught by the screen on the orifice tube. It clogs up the line and doesn't allow the refrigerant to flow through. On a Ford the orifice tube cost about $5.
Some people say you have to replace the receiver/dryer if you open the system. I have replaced them and cut one open not to find a single drop of anything in it. I wouldn't waste the money especially if you only have the system open for a few hours while you replace the compressor.
I have always used a vacuum compressor after opening a system. Some people say it's to suck any moisture out of the system. That's probably true but I think if you don't then you also have air in the line making it hard to get the Freon to go in. I will hook a compressor up and let it sit for a couple of hours then without the engine running connect the Freon to the high pressure side with the bottle down to put liquid in it. I have always been able to put in the weight the system requires from there without even starting the car. Then I start it and go get a drink.
If you can’t get all the Freon in it take the bottle off the high side and connect it to the low side with the bottle up for gas. Start the car and let it suck out the rest. If you can’t get the Freon to go in get a pot, fill it with hot water and set the can in it facing up for gas. It WILL push the gas out then.
2002 Electron Blue Vette, 1SC, FE3/Z51, G92 3.15 gears, 308.9 RWHP 321.7 RWTQ (before any mods), SLP headers, Z06 exhaust, MSD Ignition Wires, AC Delco Iridium Spark Plugs, 160 t-stat, lots of ECM tuning
1995 Z28, many mods, SOLD
A proud member of the "F-Body Dirty Dozen"Comment
-
Will I need a special tool on a GM or was that tool for that F thing you were working on. I will replace the clutch and compressor. It has a bad bearing so there is no crap in the system. But I will still do the vac. and all. I just got back home from being out west for 3 weeks. I got to get my butt in gear and sell it. I will be heading north and than north east soon so I got to get it done.
Thanks
Blazer
Comment
-
The tool is to take off the clutch not install it. If you buy a new compressor and clutch all you have to do is put the clutch on the compressor.
I would still do the orifice tube.
Retirement is fun huh.
2002 Electron Blue Vette, 1SC, FE3/Z51, G92 3.15 gears, 308.9 RWHP 321.7 RWTQ (before any mods), SLP headers, Z06 exhaust, MSD Ignition Wires, AC Delco Iridium Spark Plugs, 160 t-stat, lots of ECM tuning
1995 Z28, many mods, SOLD
A proud member of the "F-Body Dirty Dozen"Comment
-
Are you sure you need a pump. I thought mine was bad because it wasnt kicking on. Turns out it needed a pound or so more of freon and it works just fine now. I did it at the beginning of spring and its still working fine.
Comment
-
Blazer,
I guess I'm not following you exactly....
When you say it has a bad bearing, are you referring to the bearing in the clutch? Because if so, you could just replace the clutch I suppose, but you could also pull the clutch and replace the bearing.
I did this a little over a year ago. The bearing was shot. Made one hell of a noise........LOL! So I removed it. As I recall it wouldn't just press right out because some little tabs were "peened" over the top edge of the bearing. Those had to be ground out with a dremel. Took all of 10 minutes. Then the bearing could be pressed out, and a new one pressed in.
Once that was done, I used a nail-set to create new peened over tabs to insure that the bearing would stay in place. The metal was pretty soft so it wasn't as hard as it sounds. Took a little bit of time, but I ended up with a working system after only laying out something like 20 bucks for the bearing.'94 Firebird Formula, Lt1, 6 speed, all stockComment
-
The bearing in the compressor went south. Put in a new compressor and clutch vac. the system, put in new juice and we are cold. Good thing the guy that did the work charged me $75.00 labor.
Blazer
Comment
-
excelant deal!2002 Electron Blue Vette, 1SC, FE3/Z51, G92 3.15 gears, 308.9 RWHP 321.7 RWTQ (before any mods), SLP headers, Z06 exhaust, MSD Ignition Wires, AC Delco Iridium Spark Plugs, 160 t-stat, lots of ECM tuning
1995 Z28, many mods, SOLD
A proud member of the "F-Body Dirty Dozen"Comment
-
Well that's a very different situation than what I had......but it sounds like you also made out pretty well. Even an old cheapskate like me would approve of that deal.....LOL!!!Originally posted by BlazerThe bearing in the compressor went south. Put in a new compressor and clutch vac. the system, put in new juice and we are cold. Good thing the guy that did the work charged me $75.00 labor.
Blazer'94 Firebird Formula, Lt1, 6 speed, all stockComment
-
Where is the orifice tube located I can't seem to find it in the service manual?
Originally posted by Jeff_in_AtlIt's easy to replace. I have not done a GM but I have done several Fords. Things to note is the compressor comes without the clutch since the clutch is more specific to the model. You might as well put a new clutch on it while you are at it. Removing the old one takes a special tool that you can rent from AutoZone. I still have the one for a Ford. OOPS.
Another thing is you should replace the orifice tube or at least clean it out. If you can't get to it like you can on a Ford replace the tube it is in. When a compressor fails it's usually because the seals on the pistons come apart. Those pieces get pushed down the line and get caught by the screen on the orifice tube. It clogs up the line and doesn't allow the refrigerant to flow through. On a Ford the orifice tube cost about $5.
Some people say you have to replace the receiver/dryer if you open the system. I have replaced them and cut one open not to find a single drop of anything in it. I wouldn't waste the money especially if you only have the system open for a few hours while you replace the compressor.
I have always used a vacuum compressor after opening a system. Some people say it's to suck any moisture out of the system. That's probably true but I think if you don't then you also have air in the line making it hard to get the Freon to go in. I will hook a compressor up and let it sit for a couple of hours then without the engine running connect the Freon to the high pressure side with the bottle down to put liquid in it. I have always been able to put in the weight the system requires from there without even starting the car. Then I start it and go get a drink. If you can’t get all the Freon in it take the bottle off the high side and connect it to the low side with the bottle up for gas. Start the car and let it suck out the rest. If you can’t get the Freon to go in get a pot, fill it with hot water and set the can in it facing up for gas. It WILL push the gas out then.96 Firebird Formula
94 Pontaic Firebird
Comment
-
Good question. I don't know.2002 Electron Blue Vette, 1SC, FE3/Z51, G92 3.15 gears, 308.9 RWHP 321.7 RWTQ (before any mods), SLP headers, Z06 exhaust, MSD Ignition Wires, AC Delco Iridium Spark Plugs, 160 t-stat, lots of ECM tuning
1995 Z28, many mods, SOLD
A proud member of the "F-Body Dirty Dozen"Comment
-
The screen goes in the end of the hose in a block near the firewall. If you get the screen at Auto Zone it will show you a picture of where it goes. The part is GM OEM R4 or H series. Part number 67571 there will be 3 screens in the kit.
I hope this helps you.
Blazer
Comment
Comment