I am replacing the a/c compressor in my wife's 2001 civic lx due to a clutch failure. I know I have to legally discharge the system and replace the drier due to the system being opened. My question and concern is when I install the new compressor and new drier how do I keep the drier from being open to outside air while installing? Once installed will I need to vacume the system to install r134A? Will I also need to flush the system and if so do I need to do this before installing the compressor or can this be done after?

 

Chris,
you want to replace the compressor and expansion valve first, then the dryer, make sure you add pag oil to the compressor unless it came pre charged, add about 2 oz's of pag oil to the dryer before you install it, don't leave it exposed to humidity too long, and after you install everything, you have to draw vaccum for about 45 minutes to an hour to make sure all air is out of the system which holds moisture, after you draw vaccum, check the gauges to make sure they don't rise, that indicates a leak in the system, I suggest you add a/c system dye to the compressor when adding the oil, it will show you where the leak is in the future if there is one. good luck
Eyas