a/c on lt1 seized up

[phenomic]

The a/c on my lt1 seized up and turned red hot. Im gonna assume that it has been blown. I want to replace the system just to have it for emergencies so I am gonna get a used setup. What are all the parts I should replace and what should I do to get it in working order? I am not too familiar with a/c.

So far I know I should have it emptied by a shop.
Possibly flush the system with something (Do I?). I would then replace the condensor and the compressor. Next, fill the system with freon and oil?

what am i leaving out.

 

[Mike242GT]

If the compressor seized, there may be some debris in the system; after you have the system evacuated, blow the lines out with compressed air. Probably not necessary to replace the condensor, but I would definitely do the receiver/dryer.

 

[Kestas]

At a minimum, you'll have to:
- flush the lines, condenser, and evaporator.
- replace the bad parts (condenser).
- replace the receiver/dryer.
- replace the lubricant.
- vacuum air out of the system.
- recharge with refrigerant.

You mention replacing the condenser... is it bad?

 

[speedy341]

Depending on how badly you need the a/c, you could buy a new belt for $15 that bypasses the condenser and be back on the road (sans a/c).

 

[phenomic]

I was planning on deleting it but this last summer weak made me change my mind, i definentally need it at this point. Im not sure if the condenser is bad. I know the clutch/compressor is probably shot. Im not familiar on which part is which and what does what but i figure id be able to replace the system and have some parts done professionallu (empty & fill up. Should i replace the condensor or should that be ok?

 

[Mike242GT]

I'm not sure I understand why you would need to replace the condenser. That's the part in front of your radiator; in fact it looks just like a radiator; no moving parts to go bad. Unless a rock has bounced up and poked holes in it, it's probably OK. I've never had to replace a condenser in any of my cars; several compressors, however!

 

[Mike_dup1]

I had a few AC compressors freeze up in the past, 84 Olds, 96 olds and 93 Ford F150. All I ever had to replace was the AC compressor BUT this is not a do-it-yourself job. If you want it done right, take it a pro. Back yard repairs could ruin the whole system not to mention be harzardous as AC system is under extreme pressure. The last one the went bad was on a 1993 F150 work truck, stopped in the Ford dealer for a minute, left engine running. Went I came out smoke was coming from under the hood, the belt was buring up. Lucky I was at the Ford dealer, they disabled the AC and put a new belt on. Was back a week later for a Ford Compessor. The bill was almost $900.

 

[phenomic]

I plan on buying used parts and doing it myself because that is the way I do most of my projects. I know the risks and how to avoid them. I heard that blown compressors like to spill their internals throughout the system so I heard there are other parts that usually need to be replaced as well. I thought it was called the condenser but i guess it is called something else, does anyone have any ideas? I need to know what parts i need to buy because im sure I could get the entire system for under 100$.

 

[kenw]

the only other part that MAY need to be replaced (other than compressor and receiver/dryer) would be the expansion valve. This can be a problem as on many cars they are integral to the evaporator coil inside the cabin. Usually a good flush and triple evacuation will take care of any debris that may plug the expansion valve. Worse case, it can be removed and cleaned manually.

A used compressor for under $100? spooky....not worth the effort.

 

[Kestas]

I believe phenomic wants to change the condenser because he was told it cannot be flushed out, or only flushed with great difficulty.... this may be true.

Used parts are very iffy, but more power to you if it works. Ebay is another source for inexpensive compressors.

One other thing I can advise is to add a filter on the suction side of the new compressor. They should be available on the net... start by surfing on aircondition.com. You'll find links to ackits.com and acsource.com.

 

[phenomic]

People do a/c deletes often on lt1s to save some weight and make extra room. I could find it on the boards and i wouldn't mind buying more than one if the first doesnt work.

 

[Chris142]

The condensor is directly after the compressor. Any internal pieces from the compressor will go directly into the condensor.

If these pieces are not removed the replacement compressor will eat them and die an early death.

Good luck finding a good used compressor. Once a compressor sits the rubber seals dry out and they leak.

Somewhere in the system is a small plastic tube with a screen. Called an "Orface tube". This meters the refrigerant and as I said contains a screen.

Find it and pull it out. The amount of compressor guts on the screen will tell you how bad the rest of the system is.

At the very least you will need to replace the compressor, drier, orface tube and flush the system with A/C solvent.

 

[Russ]

Orifice tube should be right after the dryer somewhere.
Also, this would be a good time to replace all of the o-rings.

 

[Winston]

When recharging you will need to evacuate the system than add the proper amount of refridgerant as well as the proper amount and type of oil. Are you going to do that yourself? Or, do you plan on just replacing the appropriate parts and take it to a shop for recharge? Just curious. BTW replacing O-Rings is a great idea. Also, if the expansion valve is replaceable/changeable get a variable expansion valve. They help keep the air cool during idle and improve the efficiency of the overall system.

 

[ikeepmychevytoo]

Following link recommends new drier/accumulator when replacing the compressor. I found one recommendation on the net for replacing the condenser which is specific to the GM's DA-6 and a few other compressors with broken Teflon rings. Which may as well be cleaned as stated however, I'm just novice.

http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/cgi-bin/ryderfp/technicalbulletins/accompfail.jsp