Air conditioning service

Anyone ever replace the compressor on their car? Whats involved ? I know you you have to evacuate the system properly and all that but what parts other than the compressor have to be replaced? Is it a pain in the A$$? Mine was converted already how much 134 do I put in? I need some tips here.

After the system is recovered, you can remove the compressor. Replace the seals for the hoses, the instructions with the compressor will tell you how much oil you'll need to add to the compressor. Normally it's about 2 ounces. The instructions will also tell you what has to be replaced to cover the warranty requirements. Your MC should have what is called a VIR, valve in reciever, I would also replace it as well. It's basically the control unit for the system, and contains the descicant for water vapor removal. Now you'll need to place the system under a vacuum before charging. There should be a sticker with the charging weight and oil used when it was converted. If not I start with 50% of the original charge and add small amounts unit the system produces cold air. Try not to exceed 80% of the original charge. Hope this helps, If you don't feel comfortable doing the job, take it to a professional. You should be able to handle the parts hanging, just be sure to replace all seals. Good luck, Ron

My 73 Monte, the one that needs the service uses what is called a POA valve.THis was the last year this was used,anyhow they have an update for this - http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/23902/11/C241175.html has anyone ever used this before ? They say it must be used when converting to 134a which my car was. Thanks for the help !

I instaled a couple of these kits. It converts your system to a CCOT(cycling clutch orifice tube) system. It's a better system, less moving parts.

I think Im going to have to give it a try.Not much choice ,but it dosent look original. Will the POA valve going bad make the compressor noisey? It says so in the shop manual but not what kind of noise.I get sort of a groan.

It is the pressure control unit, it can cause the compressor to be noisey. So can low oil balance in the system.

I added some oil it didnt help. I think Im just gonna go for boththe new compressor and the POA valve upgrade

I was just on "classicautoair.com" and they off a restorartiion and recalibration to r1324a for the POA valve. just another option, depending how original you want to keep your MC.

I just bought a receiver-dryer kit from Advance auto, which includes various pipes bent to fit most GM applications. It was about 50 bucks, and it's for my Elco project. Haven't decided on which compressor to use yet.
Ran across a place called Nostalgic air parts, online, which has a variety of compressors, including the Sanden, the "Sanden style" (knock-off) etc, and they have an A-6 GM style, built from aluminum, which weighs half of what the original does, which is heavy as hell.