A/C Compressor & Condenser

G

grasscutter

Joined
Feb 6, 2025
Messages
812
2000 Buick LeSabre but 2000 thru 2005 is all the same car.

A/C compressor is clattering pretty loudly with the clutch is engaged to run the A/C.

Vent temperature is down to 86 degrees while it was blowing 41 degrees last week. Ambient temps over 100 for both readings.

Tried adding refrigerant, but it was already well within the green zone which is 35 to 45 whatever those numbers represent.

I think the compressor is toast. It had a pretty good run. I installed it in 2005 shortly after I bought the car.

The replacement compressor was an ACDelco from a local parts house that is no longer in business.

The factory compressor was not making a clattering noise when I replaced it. I replaced it because it was not providing suction they told me.

I was thinking about going with a Bosch unit. I've been very happy with their new alternator.

The plan is to replace all the parts myself and then hire a shop to charge the system.

Which brand of compressor and condenser would you recommend if OEM is not available?

I normally go with RockAuto for expensive parts like that.
 
How do I do that Chris? Check the orifice tube screen for metal?

Orifice Tube 2.webp
 
Last edited:
Last edited:
grasscutter said:
2000 Buick LeSabre but 2000 thru 2005 is all the same car.

A/C compressor is clattering pretty loudly with the clutch is engaged to run the A/C.

Vent temperature is down to 86 degrees while it was blowing 41 degrees last week. Ambient temps over 100 for both readings.

Tried adding refrigerant, but it was already well within the green zone which is 35 to 45 whatever those numbers represent.

I think the compressor is toast. It had a pretty good run. I installed it in 2005 shortly after I bought the car.

The replacement compressor was an ACDelco from a local parts house that is no longer in business.

The factory compressor was not making a clattering noise when I replaced it. I replaced it because it was not providing suction they told me.

I was thinking about going with a Bosch unit. I've been very happy with their new alternator.

The plan is to replace all the parts myself and then hire a shop to charge the system.

Which brand of compressor and condenser would you recommend if OEM is not available?

I normally go with RockAuto for expensive parts like that.
Click to expand...
I completed repairing the entire A/C system in my 2001 LeSabre a few years ago. (Long story, but essentially a local shop screwed it up, so I decided to repair myself)

I've had very good luck with the Denso brand compressor. (part# 471-9185). I also replaced the (Drier/accumulator (GP 1411668) and Orifice tube AND condenser.

Without writing an entire page here.... some important suggestions:

1. The entire system must be 100% clean!! You can usually determine this by the condition of the orifice tube.
2. EVERYTHING (All parts) work together in harmony to produce A/C. In other words - You'll kill you system if the entire system isn't addressed. (Clean and functioning.)
3. A/C systems require a complete understanding of the "system". Adding refrigerant isn't like adding "oil or coolant". It's all about pressure etc.
4. The Denso I replaced came with the correct amount of PAG oil in it. However.... I also needed to account for all the other parts I replaced! Adding the correct amount of PAG oil assures a healthy system. Incorrect (Not enough) amounts will drastically shorten (Kill) your compressor. When THAT happens.... your entire system now has debris and junk contamination.

This isn't going to be a quick "slap-on a new compressor" job for you. As I mentioned, an A/C system requires ALL components to be clean and functioning.

I hope this helps. Not trying to discourage here.... just wanted to pass along my experience.
 
grasscutter said:
2000 Buick LeSabre but 2000 thru 2005 is all the same car.

A/C compressor is clattering pretty loudly with the clutch is engaged to run the A/C.

Vent temperature is down to 86 degrees while it was blowing 41 degrees last week. Ambient temps over 100 for both readings.

Tried adding refrigerant, but it was already well within the green zone which is 35 to 45 whatever those numbers represent.

I think the compressor is toast. It had a pretty good run. I installed it in 2005 shortly after I bought the car.

The replacement compressor was an ACDelco from a local parts house that is no longer in business.

The factory compressor was not making a clattering noise when I replaced it. I replaced it because it was not providing suction they told me.

I was thinking about going with a Bosch unit. I've been very happy with their new alternator.

The plan is to replace all the parts myself and then hire a shop to charge the system.

Which brand of compressor and condenser would you recommend if OEM is not available?

I normally go with RockAuto for expensive parts like that.
Click to expand...
Sounds (no pun intended) like the clutch is the problem. Why? The temp of the air coming from the vents is 41*. See if the clutch can be adjusted or replaced without opening up the system. Don't add more refrigerant. It's fine now.
 
JGmazda said:
I completed repairing the entire A/C system in my 2001 LeSabre a few years ago. (Long story, but essentially a local shop screwed it up, so I decided to repair myself)

I've had very good luck with the Denso brand compressor. (part# 471-9185). I also replaced the (Drier/accumulator (GP 1411668) and Orifice tube AND condenser.

Without writing an entire page here.... some important suggestions:

1. The entire system must be 100% clean!! You can usually determine this by the condition of the orifice tube.
2. EVERYTHING (All parts) work together in harmony to produce A/C. In other words - You'll kill you system if the entire system isn't addressed. (Clean and functioning.)
3. A/C systems require a complete understanding of the "system". Adding refrigerant isn't like adding "oil or coolant". It's all about pressure etc.
4. The Denso I replaced came with the correct amount of PAG oil in it. However.... I also needed to account for all the other parts I replaced! Adding the correct amount of PAG oil assures a healthy system. Incorrect (Not enough) amounts will drastically shorten (Kill) your compressor. When THAT happens.... your entire system now has debris and junk contamination.

This isn't going to be a quick "slap-on a new compressor" job for you. As I mentioned, an A/C system requires ALL components to be clean and functioning.

I hope this helps. Not trying to discourage here.... just wanted to pass along my experience.
Click to expand...
Which brand did you go with for the condenser?
 
grasscutter said:
Which brand did you go with for the condenser?
Click to expand...
I believe it was a TYC brand. The condensers in these modern cars are somewhat fragile as they are built with very tiny micro passages (Channels). In other words - They clog very easily and once they do.... better off with a new one. (Can't clean like the old days.)
 
55441284829_a89508194f_b.jpg


001RETAINER, A/C ACCUMH0125731326--
002ORIFICE, A/C EVPR TUBE(. 062 DIAMETER)(W/GASKET)(ACDelco #15-30973)H0152473660--
003CAP, A/C REFRIG SERV VLV(LOW SIDE)(PART OF 7)(ACDelco #15-5457)H25613359--
004VALVE, A/C REFRIG LOW PRESS SERV(09. 177)(ACDelco #15-5456)H0125613357--
005SEAL, A/C REFRIG SERV VLV (O RING)(PART OF 4, 7)--
006NUT, HFH, M8X1. 25, 17. 9 OD, 738 THK, 13MM HEX, 10, ZF(A/C EVPR & ACCUM HOSE)(8. 915)(ACDelco #11514596)11514596--
007HOSE, A/C EVPR & ACCUM(ACDelco #15-31146)H0115139614--
008CLIP, A/C EVPR & ACCUM HOSE(PART OF 7)(HAS MOUNTING CLIP)H25706753--
009CLIP, A/C EVPR & ACCUM HOSE(PART OF 7)(CLAMP IS FREE STANDING, NO MOUNTING HOLES)H25671134--
010SEAL, A/C EVPR TUBE(19MM OD X 11MM ID, 1/2IN DIA)(BLACK)(SLIMLINE WASHER)(19MM OD X 11MM ID, 1/2IN DIA)(SMOOTH-SIDED)(ACDelco #15-31055)H0352474373--
011SEAL, A/C CMPR & CNDSR HOSE(25MM OD X 17MM ID, 3/4IN DIA)(ACDelco #15-31101)HAR02724966--
011SEAL, A/C CMPR & CNDSR HOSE(19MM OD X 11MM ID, 1/2IN DIA)(BLACK)(SLIMLINE WASHER)(19MM OD X 11MM ID, 1/2IN DIA)(SMOOTH-SIDED)(ACDelco #15-31055)H0152474373--
012NUT, HFH, M8X1. 25, 17. 9 OD, 738 THK, 13MM HEX, 10, ZF(A/C EVPR TUBE FTG)(8. 915)(ACDelco #11514596)11514596--
013BOLT, HEX, M6X1X20, 11. 5 THD, 17 OD, 6202M, 6280M(MULTIUSE RLY & FUSE BRKT)11516872--
014BRACKET, MULTIUSE RLY & FUSEH0125734663--
015NUT, HEX W/CON WA, M6X1, 5. 7 THK, 16 OD, 9, GMW3200(MULTIUSE RLY & FUSE BRKT)11609411--
016ACCUMULATOR, A/C(ACDelco #15-10078)H0101132771--
017O-RING, ID . 426X. 070 THK, MATERIAL-NEOPRENE(PART OF 7)(ACDelco #15-3614) (CA, US)03094214--
018CAP, A/C REFRIG SERV VLV(HIGH SIDE)(PART OF 7)(ACDelco #15-5459)H25613362--
019VALVE, A/C REFRIG HIGH PRESS SERV(USES CAP 25613362)(09. 177)(ACDelco #15-5458)H0125613360--
020SEAL, A/C REFRIG SERV VLV (O RING)(PART OF 7, 19)--
021HOSE, A/C EVPR FRT(PART OF 7)--
022STUD, A/C CMPR & CNDSR HOSE(PART OF 7)--
023NUT, HFH, M8X1. 25, 17. 9 OD, 738 THK, 13MM HEX, 10, ZF(A/C CMPR & CNDSR HOSE)(8. 915)(ACDelco #11514596)11514596--
024HOSE, A/C CMPR & CNDSR(ACDelco #15-32577)H0125758321--
025SENSOR, A/C REFRIG PRESS(MATING CONN W/LEADS USE 88988301)(ACDelco #15-5742)H0122664328--
025SENSOR, A/C REFRIG PRESS(HIGH PRESSURE)(ALUMINUM W/O COATING)(ACDelco #15-50147)H0122678731--
025CONNECTOR, SEN-A/C REFRIG PRESS(BLACK)(3-WAY FEMALE)(W/LEADS)(01. 800)(ACDelco #PT1825)H0188988301--
026O-RING, 7. 65MM ID, 1. 78 MM THK, NEOPRENE(PART OF 24)(ACDelco #15-3592)19188397--
027CORE, A/C REFRIG SERV VLV(INCLS SPRING, W/O O-RING, 13/64-36 THD)(W/O FITTING)(ACDelco #15-1119)H0103041827--
028NUT, HFH, 10X1. 5 THD, 9. 8 THK, 21. 8 OD, 510M (10) ZF 7111M(A/C CMPR)(2. 383)11514597--
029SEAL, A/C CMPR HOSE(PART OF 24)(*KIT1)--
030SEAL, A/C CMPR HOSE(PART OF 24)(*KIT1)--
031LABEL, A/C REFRIG CHRG (CA, US)H0125636789--
031LABEL, A/C REFRIG CHRG(USE ONLY R-134A REFRIGERENT)H0125731323--
031LABEL, A/C REFRIG CHRG(CAUTION R-134A UNDER HIGH PRESSURE)H0125731324--
K01SEAL KIT, A/C CMPR & CNDSR HOSE MANIF(SILVER)(28MM OD X 15. 5MM ID)(INCLS 2 SEALS)(ACDelco #15-2722) (CA, US)H0102724577--
K01SEAL KIT, A/C CMPR & CNDSR HOSE MANIF(ACDelco #15-33897)H0189019243--
* In the column 'A' indicates the number that is used in the selected vehicle.

- To find out where to buy the item or analog, click on price.
 
Last edited:
Okay correct me if I'm wrong:

1. A low pressure vapor enters the compressor
2. A high pressure vapor exits the compressor on its way to the condenser
3. A high pressure vapor enters the condenser
4. A high pressure liquid exits the condenser on its way the expansion tube
5. A high pressure liquid enters the expansion tube
6. A low pressure liquid exits the expansion tube on its way to the evaporator
7. A low pressure liquid enters the evaporator
8. A low pressure vapor exits the evaporator on its way to the accumulator
9. A low pressure vapor exits the accumulator on its way to the compressor
 
grasscutter said:
Okay correct me if I'm wrong:

1. A low pressure vapor enters the compressor
2. A high pressure vapor exits the compressor on its way to the condenser
3. A high pressure vapor enters the condenser
4. A high pressure liquid exits the condenser on its way the expansion tube
5. A high pressure liquid enters the expansion tube
6. A low pressure liquid exits the expansion tube on its way to the evaporator
7. A low pressure liquid enters the evaporator
8. A low pressure vapor exits the evaporator on its way to the accumulator
9. A low pressure vapor exits the accumulator on its way to the compressor
Click to expand...
👍
 
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