1991 ed base

hey guys, real quick, i haven't touched HVAC for a while so im trying to figure out if i need PAG oil still for the components or not.

and how long should this take to get in? and is the evaporator able to be installed without removing the dash? any hints and tips would be appreciated too.

tia

 

Oil is what keeps it lubed and prevents the compressor from seizing.
The tech should put it in for you when you take it in for evac and fill.
Might want to have him put UV leak detector dye in as well since you are installing it.
It will help find any leaks if something isn't perfect during your install.

 

so i should be ok with just putting the ac together and when i go get it charged, let the tech deal with it?

 

Pretty much.
Just install and find a decent tech.
Empty all oil from the compressor before you install it and let the tech know that there is no oil in the system - they will have to add the proper amount into the compressor as well as to the rest of system. They may use POE (Esther Oil) rather than PAG - will work just fine. PAG isn't compatible with the mineral oil that R-12 system used and when they mix they create a gooey mess. If you had a lot of this mix flying through your system it could lock up your compressor and make a mess of your lines. Cleaning out all your lines and replace this and that... not a good idea. PAG does work better though - so if you empty out the oil from the compressor really well before installing it and replace the filter/dryer, then it probably isn't much to worry about.

Since you are doing a full install, change out all the o-rings with the retrofit/newer ones. Old R-12 systems use rubber that different and the newer ones. The molecules of new refrigerant gases are smaller than R12 molecules and theoretically can pass through the old R-12 o-ring material. Basically a VERY slow leak. At the least, change out all the o-rings in the engine bay. Hoses are also subject to leaking, but not worth the cost to replace if your hoses are in good shape. Much cheaper to just top the system off once a year (if needed) if it leaks a bit.

You will also need the retrofit connectors for the fill/evacuation fittings.

Change out the filter/dryer. They have material in them that collects moisture. Moisture in any AC system is bad. Since your system has been open to air, then it's seen it's share of moisture. Ideally you would want the tech to change this out, but you could just do it yourself last thing right before you go off to the AC tech.

The tech should pull a very deep vacuum on the system to evacuate it from moisture and contaminants. They should then let it sit in vacuum and see if there are any leaks - system won't hold vacuum if there are any leaks.
* (If there are no leaks then THIS is the ideal time to install the new dryer/filter. Deep vacuum gets pulled again after filter/dryer install.)*
After vacuum, they should fill with refrigerant. Typically, on a system that was simply in for routine maintenance, this would be a done deal. However, since your system has been open to air, they should then pull another vacuum again (yeah... removing the brand new refrigerant fill) to clear out anything that might have been missed the first time. Essentially filling the entire system twice rather than once. Don't be surprised if they charge you twice as well - BUT rest assured your AC will be done properly and will work well and last a long time.

 

Maybe 10~12hours?
When I have done them, I do it in sections so I'm not working on the car all day long. Hate doing that - feel like I wasted a day especially if I don't completely finish the car project.
I break it up in sections -
1 Evaporator
2 compressor, fan, and hoses
3 condenser and hoses
.Just keep open lines taped up until you make the connections.

You don't have to remove the dash for the evap
Open the black case up before you install and get all the leaves, dirt, cat hair out of there and off the coils
Make sure you get the rubber firewall grommet if you don't have it (AC grommet has have two holes for the lines) ... I hate installing that part, but without it the lines go all over the place.
(Don't forget the blue AC wire to the ECU!)

 

should i leave the belt off the compressor since theres no oil?

thanks a lot. yeah i got leaves and cat hair in my ****. lol.

man its starting to get warm. i cant wait to get this all done.

 

Not necessary, but you might leave it off as a precaution anyway. As long as you don't turn the AC on, then the AC clutch won't connect and the compressor won't spin.


LOL! Doesn't your momma feed you well?
Leaves are good source of fiber, but you might want to try taking the skin off the cat before you eat it!

 

there is a pressure switch...the compressor shouldn't work at all while the system is empty.

 

LOL she does feed me well.
Makes sense, I forgot all about that.

looks like, between finishing installing the alternator to my ep3 and getting this ac installed, i may have to do the alternator first and maybe half the AC the way things are going.

thanks guys, i'll post up when i get anything done.