hcs1jimmy

So, I was told that if I replace my a/c compressor that I also need to replace my receiver dryer and do an evacuation along with a recharge. Is that right? If so...is there any precautions or anything I need to know before replacing my receiver dryer, like do I need to do an evacuation before I install it or after, or any special way to replace it? I am just curious as I am going to try to replace it tomorrow. Let me know if you have any advice. Thanks!

Former User

What car?

When a compressor fails, it can generate metal debris that can cause the A/C system to fail again. Therefore, it would be prudent to flush the system, replace the receiver/dryer, evacuate for at least a few hours, leak test overnight, and then recharge with oil and refrigerant.

Linked

you need to recover all the refridgerent from the system before removing your old reciever drier

if there isnt any in the system because the system was open to the atmosphere, then you can just unbolt the receiver drier

hcs1jimmy

It's for a 95 civic. The system was open for awhile, but I'm not sure if there was still refridgerent in the system still or not.

Linked

like ron said before, was there any problems with the system before?

why was the system open?

and no there wouldnt be anymore refrigerant in the system anymore

hcs1jimmy

Well, the compressor clutch went out on the old compressor so I wrapped the lines until I could get a compressor again.

Linked

if you only replaced the compressor and wrapped the lines

then yes, you wouldnt have any refrigerant in the system, and can install the receiver drier

after you would evacuate the system and pull it into a deep vacuum. alot of AC service carts would hold vacuum for ~20 minutes.

after it confirms the system can hold a vacuum then there shouldnt be any leaks and they'll charge it.

you need to make sure to alert whoever is charging your system that you replaced your compressor, so they can recharge the right amount of oil into the system.

hcs1jimmy

does it matter if it is a used compressor? I mean, as far as how much oil they put in? Also, do you know about how much (on average) a shop will charge to do all that?

Former User

If only the compressor clutch was bad, why replace the entire compressor? And it's possible to replace the clutch without disconnecting the A/C lines, though it's too late for that now.

Linked

i dont know how much a shop would charge to charge your system, best bet is to call your local shop and ask (i wouldnt recommend a low quality shop with ac work though, they tend to only have one ac cart and will reuse unrecycled refrigerant)

and since the compressor is used, you run the risk of having contaminants in the compressor and also metal shavings that can clog the system

the best route to take at that time would be to assemble everything, install an inline filter on the highside right after the compressor then flush the system

hcs1jimmy

oh i just didn't want to mess with replacing it plus my buddy just gave me his perfectly good compressor.

Linked

describe the compressor, you got it straight out of his car while it was working? or he had it laying around?

hcs1jimmy

ya straight out of his car.