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Urgent A/C Question!

R

robrileyw

New member
Hi, I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8l. A few summers back my ac compressor clutch locked up. At the time, I didn't have enough money to buy a new a/c compressor and recharge system. So at the time I decided to bypass the ac compressor by paying for a $35 ac bypass pulley. Well a few years later and I regret doing this and have enough money to put in a new ac compressor now. So my questions to all of you are as follows:

1) With my a/c system being out of comission for the past few years, what are my next steps after putting in new ac compressor?

2) Should I try getting a cheap junkyard ac compressor vs. paying new?

3) Would pulling vacuum and recharging system and putting new oil in system be something I can do myself or should this be left up to a shop?

4) How much should I expect to be charged for a shop doing a vacuum, recharge, re oil w/ new/used ac compressor installled by me???

Thanks to all ! and I would prefer to do as much as I can by myself but understand a/c systems should be left up to shops to deal with for any work besides topping off w/ freon....
 


new compressor installed will run a easy 500 if not more by a shop.

what i would do is buy a new compressor, install it. then have it vac tested and filled at a shop.

or you can just take a chance and fill it your self. they sell recharge kits for the newer cars now.
 
I'd just buy a new compressor. Buy a vacuum pump and vacuum the system down then refill it yourself.
 
Thanks guys, I will definitely buy a new ac compressor, install it myself. Maybe let the shop vacuum test it and recharge the system since the a/c system has been out of comission for a few years. What freon does our cars take and how much would i need to recharge the system fully empty by purchasing the freon myself at an auto parts store?
 


With the system being open, I believe you need a new accumulator/dryer, the orifice tube is a smart move as well and while you are that far along, do the seal kit (which will work out to 2-3 other seals). They you will have a fresh system and with a vacuum down and freon, you'll be ready to go.
 
Ok, sounds good. I will replace the accumulator ($25 at advance auto parts), the orifice tube ($6 at advance), and buy the a/c seal kit from advance ($6).....my question to you is where is the orifice tube located on my 2000 Grand Prix Gt??
 
The orifice tube on your car is a pain. You have to remove the brake booster to get it out. I fought one once trying to avoid removing the booster, but ended up taking it out. The booster twist and locks in place, it is not held on the firewall with bolts. The orifice tube in that thread is not the same as the one in your car, it is in the same place but larger than the one in that thread.

I would replace the accumulator if the system has been open for any amount of time. I would also flush the a/c lines out. They sell A/C flush, but you can use brake cleaner also. You need to use compressed air to blow any cleaner through the lines.
 
One other option is if you want to have the AC system purged/charged, you could always take it to the local technical college. Not sure about other states, but here in WI when I was at FVTC for automotive, other students and the public brought their cars in for work, and the labor charge was usually pennies on the dollar. Instructors are always present and oversee student work closely, especially on customer cars. Most college shops have professional grade equipment, and they can vacuum test, inject oil and then pressurize your AC system for a pretty low cost. AC oil is essential, especially when using a new compressor - and having a vacuum purge done doesn't hurt either, and will ensure your AC system is airtight (it's a federal crime to knowingly charge a leaking AC system - this isn't frequently enforced but it's worth noting).

Plus, any shop labor charge you use goes towards the students, not the school.

Just putting an idea out there. :)
 


Also, I know I can't change people's way of thinking, but Freon was DuPont's trade name for R12, an old refrigerant which was high in CFC's and has since been discontinued, I believe around 1994. R134A is the new standard of refrigerant, and is not technically "Freon".

As far as filling it, there should be a sticker somewhere near the fender strut towers under the hood that states something like this: This vehicle uses R134A refrigerant, charge to X amount of pounds. This is another reason why going to a shop is better than a DIY for AC, their equipment is annually inspected for accuracy and they can inject the exact amount of oil and refrigerant needed for your car.

If you insist on filling it yourself, make sure you buy AC oil, and measure the amount of oil (if any) that comes out of the old compressor. Make sure you replace the same amount of oil in the new compressor. Then, connect the AC refill to the low pressure side (the larger diameter tube) and inject the refrigerant with the car running. Watch the pressure, and make sure it reads the correct amount for your car. Good luck!
 
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