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Replacing AC Compressor [message #250468] Fri, 23 May 2014 16:03 Go to next message
Jon payne is currently offline  Jon payne   United States
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Registered: May 2008
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Senior Member
A few years ago I rebuilt my Dash Air. I replaced the hoses, flushed out the evaporator and condenser and replaced the compressor. Last summer the compressor started leaking oil out the front and back. When i took it out of storage this year the compressor would not come on. I verified the pressure and it had just 5psi on the low side. This is actually the second rebuilt compressor I have replaced, the first one was dead on arrival, would never hold a vacuum. Anyway, I'm done with rebuilt compressors so I just ordered the new "S6" that Jimk sells.

So I was reading the post about AC Diagnosis and I saw a post mentioning anytime the system is opened you need to flush they system. I also read in the MM something similar. So I'm asking if those in the know could tell me if this is really necessary? I know I need to pull a vacuum for a leak checks and remove any moisture ( I was also planning to replace the drier since it is fairly cheap). For sure if it is necessary and/or a good practice I will do it.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Jon


Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
Re: [GMCnet] Replacing AC Compressor [message #250484 is a reply to message #250468] Fri, 23 May 2014 17:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
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Registered: May 2010
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Senior Member
Jon, in an ideal world, we would always know exactly how much lubricant is
residual in a system with the compressor off, and exactly what type of lube
it is. But this is the REAL WORLD and that is one of the big unknowns. By
replacing the dessicant/dryer and starting with an absolutely drained
compressor, we can flush the system, then evacuate it. Then when we add a
fresh charge of refrigerant along with the correct amount of the compatible
lubricant for it, we stand a measurably better chance of success. Clean
system, proper lube, correct refrigerant. It is what I try to do. More
$$$, but better outcome usually.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or.
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On May 23, 2014 2:04 PM, "Jon Payne" wrote:

> A few years ago I rebuilt my Dash Air. I replaced the hoses, flushed out
> the evaporator and condenser and replaced the compressor. Last summer the
> compressor started leaking oil out the front and back. When i took it out
> of storage this year the compressor would not come on. I verified the
> pressure and it had just 5psi on the low side. This is actually the
> second rebuilt compressor I have replaced, the first one was dead on
> arrival,
> would never hold a vacuum. Anyway, I'm done with rebuilt compressors so I
> just ordered the new "S6" that Jimk sells.
>
> So I was reading the post about AC Diagnosis and I saw a post mentioning
> anytime the system is opened you need to flush they system. I also read in
> the MM something similar. So I'm asking if those in the know could tell me
> if this is really necessary? I know I need to pull a vacuum for a leak
> checks and remove any moisture ( I was also planning to replace the drier
> since it is fairly cheap). For sure if it is necessary and/or a good
> practice I will do it.
>
> Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
> Jon
> --
> Jon Payne
> 76 Palm Beach
> Westfield,IN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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Re: Replacing AC Compressor [message #250485 is a reply to message #250468] Fri, 23 May 2014 18:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
They only reason they say to flush it is to remove any metal particles that may be floating around in the system. I hate to tell you not to do it, but I probably would not do it due to your type of failure. I would open it up look in the lines. Then remove the dryer, cut it open and look inside for metal shavings. If the dryer and lines it is clean then you decide if you want to flush it or not. It is not a big job to flush it.

I have done a few that required flushing and a lot more that I have not flushed.

How is that for a vague answer?



Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Replacing AC Compressor [message #250499 is a reply to message #250485] Fri, 23 May 2014 19:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Keith V is currently offline  Keith V   United States
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
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Senior Member
so I really need to flush my system. I'm pretty convinced I have mixed oil in it
How do I do it?

I'm thinking remove the lines and flush each one, then the condenser and evap

But what about the valved orifices n stuff?


Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
Re: Replacing AC Compressor [message #250501 is a reply to message #250468] Fri, 23 May 2014 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
roy1 is currently offline  roy1   United States
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Jon Payne wrote on Fri, 23 May 2014 14:03
A few years ago I rebuilt my Dash Air. I replaced the hoses, flushed out the evaporator and condenser and replaced the compressor. Last summer the compressor started leaking oil out the front and back. When i took it out of storage this year the compressor would not come on. I verified the pressure and it had just 5psi on the low side. This is actually the second rebuilt compressor I have replaced, the first one was dead on arrival, would never hold a vacuum. Anyway, I'm done with rebuilt compressors so I just ordered the new "S6" that Jimk sells.

So I was reading the post about AC Diagnosis and I saw a post mentioning anytime the system is opened you need to flush they system. I also read in the MM something similar. So I'm asking if those in the know could tell me if this is really necessary? I know I need to pull a vacuum for a leak checks and remove any moisture ( I was also planning to replace the drier since it is fairly cheap). For sure if it is necessary and/or a good practice I will do it.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Jon


As long as the refrigerant you are going to install is compatible with the oil in the system all that is needed is to replace the dryer pressurize the system with refrigerant leak check it pull a vacuum then charge it. If the oil is the wrong type for the refrigerant you are going to use flush it first with solvent.then install the correct type oil.


Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook
Re: Replacing AC Compressor [message #250506 is a reply to message #250499] Fri, 23 May 2014 21:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bullitthead is currently offline  Bullitthead   United States
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Registered: November 2013
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Senior Member
Keith,
Evac the system, discon the connections, and use a pressurized container of flush solvent with a rubber tipped blaster nozzle like we use on the air hose. Flush the condenser to remove accumulated oil and jetsam sitting in the bottom, and reverse flush the evaporator with the valve/orifice disconnected. Reverse flush that separately. Do not flush a dryer or compressor. The pressurized bottle is available from the tool truck or you can make one out of scrap parts like I did. I got the solvent from work, not sure where you can get it from. Don't pressurize it over 100 psi and use a small bottle that only holds about a quart. Fill it about 2/3 before you pump it up so you get a good flush without a lot of leftover air. After you put it back together, evac the system for at least 15 minutes and let it sit for 30 to make sure it stays evacuated.


Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.
Re: Replacing AC Compressor [message #250598 is a reply to message #250506] Sun, 25 May 2014 11:35 Go to previous message
Jon payne is currently offline  Jon payne   United States
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Thanks guys for the feedback!

Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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