2001 Silverado Air Conditioner Compressor replace...

[Blang]

Working on replacing the compressor in my truck (as well as the condenser and receiver drier)... I'm paranoid about getting the right amount of oil in the new compressor. All the instructions I come across say to drain the oil from the old compressor to determine how much to put in the new one. How confident can I be that the 25 year-old compressor in my truck has the proper amount in it right now?

It's the 10S17F style compressor that requires two bolts to mount the lines on it. Other potentially pertinent info... 2001 1500 with 4.8 and extended cab and 4x4 and only front AC.

 

[Chris142]

Pull the orifice tube. Is it clean or full of junk? If its dirty you need to flush everything anyway.

You are correct about the amount of oil being incorrect by now. A couple extra ounces of oil won't hurt anything.

Pull the orifice and show me a Pic of it. From that I can make an educated guess on the amount of oil needed.

 

[Capt W]

How confident can I be that the 25 year-old compressor in my truck has the proper amount in it right now?

Unless you know the vehicle's service history you can't be 100% confident; however...

If the system is presently properly charged and lubricated, once shut off the oil tends to remain in the major components in a very consistent manner. As long as the system has remained leak-free, the oil level in a particular component isn't going to become "incorrect." These components include the compressor, evaporator, condenser, and receiver-drier/accumulator. It's not like the oil remains in suspension inside the lines or hides elsewhere. My minivan FSM describes it better than I can:

When an A/C system is assembled at the factory, all components except the A/C compressor are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant system. The A/C receiver/drier, A/C evaporator, A/C condenser and the A/C compressor will each retain a significant amount of the needed refrigerant oil.

Refrigerant oil must be added when an A/C condenser, A/C receiver/drier or A/C evaporator is replaced (see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart).

That's why every single FSM I've ever seen has virtually the same procedure for oiling a new compressor -- drain and measure the old, refill the new. In addition, most FSMs will have a chart like this to help when replacing specific components: (NOTE - this chart is NOT for your vehicle...it's only an example).

You should be able to search online for a similar chart for your truck. As Chris stated above, if the inside of the system is contaminated all bets are off and you should flush it all, followed by a complete system re-oil with the proper amount of PAG46.

If the system is clean/uncontaminated, I'd measure and fill the new compressor accordingly and add 1 oz. to the drier/accumulator and 1 oz. to the new condenser.

A little bit of extra oil certainly won't hurt, but too much will tend to adversely affect cooling.

 

[CleanSump]

Should do full flush, replace the orifice and receiver dryer and new o-rings/seals. Suck it down and then fill to factory spec anyway.

https://www.4s.com/media/5421/four-seasons-capacity-guide.pdf

 

[JavierH19]

Isn't the newer denso a drop in upgrade? the comps on my 290k sierra and 343k yukon are both original and working perfectly but the clutches should be thin by now but they engage good as always.

 

[Capt W]

The nice thing about the Denso units is the clutch assemblies are a very easy replacement should the need arise. One nut, one plug, and a snap ring or two and you're in business. Easy to shim as well.

 

[Blang]

I'm hoping to make progress tonight and will update as I can with pictures. Busy evening, but I'll do my best.

 

[Blang]

Here's the orifice tube. I can get more pictures if things later. I don't see any obvious signs of leaks. But I didn't have much drain out of anything when I took things apart....

 

[CleanSump]

That doesn't look healthy on my screen. It looks all clogged up with goop.

 

[Mcbeem5]

That doesn't look healthy on my screen. It looks all clogged up with goop.

I had compressor go out on my 2000 chev silverado, I was told by a reputable mechanic that if there is any sign of debris all the lines and evaporator and condenser and drier must be changed or you will contaminate new compressor.He would flush AC system but NO warranty on compressor.

 

[Blang]

Pull the orifice tube. Is it clean or full of junk? If its dirty you need to flush everything anyway.

You are correct about the amount of oil being incorrect by now. A couple extra ounces of oil won't hurt anything.

Pull the orifice and show me a Pic of it. From that I can make an educated guess on the amount of oil needed.

Pictures are posted. I forgot to respond to you directly initially.

 

[Blang]

That doesn't look healthy on my screen. It looks all clogged up with goop.

Yes, I agree. It's really the only thing that has looked less than clean through the process (that I've noticed).

 

[Chris142]

Pictures are posted. I forgot to respond to you directly initially.

You need more than a compressor. The system is extreemly contaminated. You need a compressor ,accumulator,condenser ,orifice and a flush at this point.

 

[Blang]

You need more than a compressor. The system is extreemly contaminated. You need a compressor ,accumulator,condenser ,orifice and a flush at this point.

Got all the parts. Waiting on a pressure switch to arrive (the original broke unsurprisingly). I'm not sure how to flush the evaporator. Everything else should be easy enough to clean or replace.

 

[CleanSump]

Got all the parts. Waiting on a pressure switch to arrive (the original broke unsurprisingly). I'm not sure how to flush the evaporator. Everything else should be easy enough to clean or replace.

I've done evaporators with the aerosol spray liquid cleaner followed by low pressure compressed air to dry it out. Same as condenser.
Instructions will be on the spray system cleaner you purchase.

 

[Chris142]

I'm not sure how to flush the evaporator.

I use AC flush blown out with air and followed by brackleaner.

 

[Blang]

I got everything put together a week and a half ago and then it finally worked out for someone to help me get the refrigerant in there. It held a vacuum so I'm hopeful things will be good for a bit. I appreciate everyone's input and help here.