[Shotimes] AC Compressor/AC System question

[clubairth@bellsouth.net]

Eric:
 You can DIY but I think you need a better understanding of the system 
before you dive in! If the clutch was making noise maybe this is your 
problem? Much cheaper and easier than the compressor!
  You need to hook up gauges first to see what the pressures are. This is 
MANDATORY. With out the gauge set your shooting in the dark. Get the 
compressor from E-bay-much cheaper. I use a cheap compressed air powered 
vacuum pump that is only about $16. Harbor Freight carries them.
 Next if the system actually failed internally you need to see you suffered 
"Black Death" or not! This is when the compressor comes apart internally and 
spreads metal,rubber and other debris all through the A/C system. Usually 
plugs the orifice tube and other things. If this is your failure you need to 
consider: Replace everything in the system or do a partial repair and wait 
for it to fail again. It is very difficult to properly flush the system 
after this type of failure. I always do a flush anyway to help the system 
work better. You can borrow a flush gun from AutoZone and you can purchase 
the flush chemicals at any parts store. Try to save the flushed fluid to 
inspect it for metal and other debris. If you really cheap, here is a good 
tip: Use cheap lacquer thinner as your flushing agent. Keep all the new A/C 
parts capped until just before they are installed. Pull a vacuum and then 
let it sit all night and pull it again. You simply can not evacuate a system 
too much. You will get a better job than the commercial shops if you take 
your time.

 Finally, you need a factory shop manual. You need to put the CORRECT amount 
of oil and refrigerant in the system.

 What year is your car?

 Do you want to convert to 134A while your at it?
.
.



> My AC compressor went out last night with the AC clutch making all kinds 
> of
> noise.  I understand that most compressors fail from either too much or 
> too
> little compressor oil or the system was not properly evacuated so I am 
> trying
> not to make this same mistake.
>
> I would like to replace my AC compressor myself since I need to replace 
> the
> radiator anyway.  I replaced the dryer canister and dryer line this 
> summer.
> Can someone point me in a direction on how to properly evacuate my AC 
> system
> or can I just install the compressor with the correct amount of compressor
> oil.  I believe 7-8 ounces is the correct amount of oil
>
> Where have people had success finding a good replacement compressor?  I
> believe the AC compressor part number is 10P15F.
> Thanks,
> Eric