Zwoobah

After being unable to diagnose my AC problems myself, I had one of the techs here at work take a look at it yesterday. Turns out the AC compressor grenaded internally some time ago, and has been spreading bits of itself through the system ever since. He recommended replacing the AC compressor and the reciever/drier, then disassembling the entire system and removing all the compressor bits that have gotten in there.

Has anyone done this before? Any tips or advice? Any additional parts that need replacing? Thanks

3fordasho

You need to disassemble the system enough to flush each component/hose individually, ie condensor, evaporator, hoses. Compressor, accumulator and orafice tube (expansion device) must be replaced and can't be flushed.
I use a flush gun from acsource.com or ackits.com, and use lacquer thinner as the flushing liquid along with lots of compressed air to blow it out. A thorough vacuuming of the system with a real a/c service vacuum pump will be a must to get the remaining air and flush liquid out of the system.

Zwoobah

I can't find an accumulator for sale on any of my parts sites, but I think it's the same as the reciever/drier.
So far, my parts list includes:
-Compressor
-Reciever/drier
-Expansion valve/orifice tube
-3 or 4 O-rings
-AC flush gun + lacquer thinner

I will most likely be buying a good used compressor off a friend's parts car. I think he also has a good used condensor. Do you think I'll be able to sufficiently flush the existing condensor, or should I get a replacement off the parts car?
The compressor has most likely been broken for several years, and some idiot previous owner juiced the system with enough extra 134a that it overcame the low pressure switch, and as a result the broken compressor would still run. Therefore, I'm thinking there may be too much debris in the existing condensor to save it.

kday

One of the compressor refrigerant fittings would be pretty tough to get to without one.

3fordasho

you will be better off with a different condenser that didn't have the compressor guts run through it. Most R134a condensers are of a construction that is difficult to flush.

Zwoobah

Thanks, will do

prestone

Bought, but never used.
Current compressor makes noise but keeps on keepin on. $75 plus shipping.

Zwoobah

thanks, but already contacted a friend who sold me his spare yesterday