1999 accord, 4 cylinder. AC compressor has been making weird noises last 2 summers, this time its finally had enough. As in now when you run it, it not only makes some indescribable noises, but you can visibly see the whole clutch wobbling a little. So its time for a compressor. Obviously, this requires replacing the dryer and expansion valve also. I have no doubt the system is full of debris. In addition, I was thinking about replacing the condenser, since a lot of the fins are bent from stuff flying up from the road. It would be once less thing I would have to flush also. So, my questions are:

1) Anyone suggest replacing anything else?
2) What is the best way to go about flushing, or cleaning, the reusable components? I have seen lots of people use the compressed air sprayer that uses solvent to clean out debris.
3) How much oil should I use, and where to add it? I will be buying a Denso compressor, that supposedly comes with the required oil.
4) I would appreciate any other general suggestions/input.

 

1. Replace the drier also since the system will be open.
2. Rent a vacuum pump and no need to use compressed air. Also, use gauges when vacuuming and refilling the a/c system.
3. I have installed many Denso compressors and no need to add/subtract any oils since the compressors come with the required oils.
4. Hope this helps.

 

lol@ #4.

I just recharged my system with some backwards comaptible R12 R134 stuff, its working very well now. Hope it holds up and doesn't go out any time soon.



I used a can of this,

 

1) get a full set of o-rings. you probably were planning on it but i didn't see it listed so to be safe... while you're under the dash working pulling the evaporator out it's a good chance to replace the cabin air filters. you'll also want about 16-24" of "cork insulation tape" to wrap the evap bulb with. hopefully you can find it in smaller quantities than me... i had to get 30 ft of it (@ $1.50/ft), though i'm sure i'll use it all eventually . if you want to be extra thurough and proactive replace the pressure switch. it is possible for them to leak internally and i assume the one you've got is original to the car. only a suggestion.

[QUOTE=djkurious;48872884]
2. Rent a vacuum pump and no need to use compressed air. Also, use gauges when vacuuming and refilling the a/c system.
QUOTE]
2) the vacuum pump rental is a good idea once everything is clean, but to get all the trash and flush solvent out you will still need to use the compressed air. I did this solvent/compressed air flush on a civic recently, twice! the flush i normally use would have voided the warranty on the new compressor (4seasons). anyway, i pulled everything out then on the garage floor reassembled as much as possible into sub-modules. i did this to conserve the solvent. sloshed it around to get in all the nooks and crannies then put a rubber-tipped blowgun at one end and let it rip.

3) best thing to do is refer to the info supplied with the compressor. they normally give pretty specific instructions on how they want it added and distributed. the 4seasons came dry essentially, i added half to the low side of the compressor, turned it by hand to distribute internally and added the remaining oil to the reciever dryer. Used oil with dye in it to check for leaks down the road.

4) a drop of oil on the o-rings before assembly so they don't bind and leak. some compressors don't include the clutch/pulley. either make sure your's is still fine or make sure the compressor you buy has this included.

if i think of anything else i'll update.

 

Thanks for the help! Mishako, I remember they came out with something similar to what you have, compatible with both r12 and r134a, it was called freeze 12. Supposedly worked really well also.

Shmallow, I was definitely planning on getting o-rings. I may purchase some of that cork tape from you if you have any around still. Where can you rent a vacuum pump from?

I was planning on getting one of the cheap venturi type ones that uses compressed air. I have read that they work really well, and I like that there is nothing mechanical in these to break. I also need to get a new set of manifold gages. Seems people have had good luck with the harbor freight ones.

Finally, what kind of r134a have you guys had good luck with? As in any particular brand, and would you recommend just getting it in the 12oz cans?