I brought up an old thread in the EG forum, but I figured I'd post up here too because I've seen a few guys post that seem to know what they're talking about.

I'm installing a/c back in a car that had it removed for about a year.

The evaporator and all the wiring is still there, but all the lines/condensor/compressor under the hood have been removed.

I've got a few questions:

1) Is there any thread sealant needed at the connections? Or just new o-rings [I know I should put new O-rings at every connection]?

2) Do the o-rings need to be lubed up or anything? Or just stick them in and go?

3) I know I should get the system vacuumed when I get it all back together and get it checked for leaks.

4) Will it be necessary to get a new evaporator? Or is there something I can do to refresh it and/or clean it up before I install everything else?

5) Anything else to look out for/watch for?

TIA.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jonathan_EH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">1) Is there any thread sealant needed at the connections? Or just new o-rings [I know I should put new O-rings at every connection]?

2) Do the o-rings need to be lubed up or anything? Or just stick them in and go?

3) I know I should get the system vacuumed when I get it all back together and get it checked for leaks.

4) Will it be necessary to get a new evaporator? Or is there something I can do to refresh it and/or clean it up before I install everything else?

5) Anything else to look out for/watch for?</TD></TR></TABLE>

1 & 2) From the Helms: "3.Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oil to the seat of the O-ring or flare nut."
Although I suggest following the Helms manual, I didn't apply any oil and my connections have been fine. I also used teflon tape to ensure a more positive engagement of the threads (be very careful not to cross thread the connections - they are made of a soft material, despite what their outward appearance may be), but if your O-ring seal is bad, it will usually just leak out the back between the flare piece & the nut that slides over it.

3) Yes - you need to remove all the air from your A/C system - it needs to be a vacuum.

4 & 5) Anytime you disconnect the lines, especially that long, you will need to buy new dryer/receiver (the round canister located next to the washer fluid resevoir). No way around that one, really.
You should remove all the components, and blow them out with compressed air. They sell a cleaner at automotive part stores, or maybe brake cleaner will work for you. It is probably a good idea to disconnect & clean the expansion valve located on the evaporator as well.
&lt;edit: the receiver or "dryer", and the evaporator are two different things - just to be clear.&gt;

Important: Make sure you get all the old oil out of your system & add back the proper amount of new oil. If you are converting to R-134a, PAG oil may be best.
After you add the proper amount of new oil, charge/test the system. You may have to go to a few different auto parts stores until you can find one that sells refrigerant cans <u>without</u> oil & extra garbage added in.

 

Milk knows his ac ****.
I was going to say the same thing.

 

I agree with milk. You need to buy a new reciever /dryer no way around it.

 

Thanks guys!

I plan on getting a new receiver/drier, new condensor, all new seals.

The most expensive part is the Compressor...these things are like $400 new from Honda! Not TOO much less from the parts store.

Has anybody used a junkyard compressor and been fine after vacuuming it all out etc? I can get to unmolested cars, so hopefully I'll be able to get a good compressor.

And lastly, how long are the evaporators good for? Is it worth it to buy a new one...or if I clean/blow it out will it be as good as new?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jonathan_EH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks guys!

I plan on getting a new receiver/drier, new condensor, all new seals.

The most expensive part is the Compressor...these things are like $400 new from Honda! Not TOO much less from the parts store.

Has anybody used a junkyard compressor and been fine after vacuuming it all out etc? I can get to unmolested cars, so hopefully I'll be able to get a good compressor.

And lastly, how long are the evaporators good for? Is it worth it to buy a new one...or if I clean/blow it out will it be as good as new?

</TD></TR></TABLE>
Let me preface with ........I'm not an A/C expert. But before buying new condensor, copmressor(rebuilt, actually, new is too $$$) or evaporator. Use what you have UNLESS any of them are obviously visibly damaged.
Except for the rec/dryer , the other 3 should be fine unless they LEAK.

 

I have nothing.

I have the electrical wiring, and the evaporator because the guy was too lazy to take it out as well. He left the connections at the firewall exposed.

I need to pick up all the lines at the junkyard, compressor, condensor, fan, dryer.

 

My advice. Visually inspect it.
If it LOOKS fine.... install it. When you have it evacuated, have the shop do a pressure test on the system. This will tell you what needs replacing. HTH

 

Thanks for the help.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jonathan_EH &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the help. </TD></TR></TABLE>