[Guest]

Got the AC back to ICE COLD in the wagon. I had a local shop do it, and I'm glad I did. I knew the compressor was toast so it would need that, a dryer and an orifice tube. Turns out the condensor was also bad since the compressor blew and lodged a bunch of crap in it. It would flow but not enough to get good and cold. That probably would have damaged the system again before long. I was going to do this myself but I decided to let them go for it since I wasn't going to save myself much money and now I have a warranty. They installed a new Delco compressor and didn't charge me any labor to install my new shocks or diagnose a bad fan relay that showed up in the process. Now to get my new seats installed before the Florida trip next month...

 

[Guest]

Got to have the AC! It sounds like you got a good mechanic that isn't in the business to screw someone, it's nice too hear for a change.

Where at in FL you going to be?

 

[Guest]

Hah! I'll be right down the street from you in Destin... Sandestin to be exact, on the far side. My parents own a condo there so I take friends for a week each year. Hey I think you were the one who asked about the shocks, if you want them I can bring them with me... LOL!

Yeah the guys I took it to seem to be honest. I've used them for parts before but this is the first time I've had them work on a car of mine. I'm happy with it. I just got back from an hour long cruise since I missed my wagon so much.

Mike

 

[Guest]

Just did the whole shebang myself this week. New Harrison HD6, new condenser, new accumulator/dryer, and new orifice. Flushed the evaporator with mineral spirits, followed by alcohol and then the A/C flush stuff. New green O-rings and Nylog sealant finished it off. Local A/C shop did the original charge recovery and vacuum/recharge.

Installing the compressor was a biatch. Made darn sure the front and rear bracketry didn't torque the compressor housing. Removal and installation of the block stud is infinitely easier if you pull it out using a 1/4 socket on the end. Real time saver.

Question: Does your A/C compressor run continuously now? Mine does, and I'm getting a bit worried. Also, the accumulator frosts up.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by Punch it, Mom:
Question: Does your A/C compressor run continuously now? Mine does, and I'm getting a bit worried. Also, the accumulator frosts up.

I've read in FSM: frosting indicate low charge

it also say to check for a restricted suction line to the compressor.

I like your nick.

 

[Guest]

Did the entire job myself (with friend) last weekend We shared the fun of hopping underneth the car and scrapping up our hands and forearms. Changed the RH plug wires out while I was at it.

I used a reman $125 HD6 copressor (in Poland by ISO 9000 certified rebuilder) purchased on ebay by seller with 150+ sales /100% positive feedback distibutor.

Replaced the orfice tube (predetermined no black death in my system and therefore according to GM bulletins no need to flush!), bought GM o- ring kit, new GM Accumulator, and for $100 total a set of a/c manifiold gages and hoses and vac pump. You need a 90 psi compressor though to use this cheap vacumn pump but it achieved the 27.5 hg vacumn.

Did the evac and fill myself and learned the technical details on web. High and low pressure readings are now to spec.

Bottom line: the 159K 94 RMW now has ICE COLD air, compressor cycles on and off perfectly. Total cost for parts: $198 including 8 oz of 150 PAG oil, and 2.3 cans of R134A. Quoted price from local mechanics was $8-900. I am sure it would have been more when they got done wth me. Now I have the tools to do it again...but never EVER again on this car!

 

[Guest]

Yeah if your compressor is running all the time there's something wrong. I Agree: frost on the lines means low charge. Somethin' ain't right.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by bigoldv8:
....I Agree: frost on the lines means low charge....

Not always and I would even say not most of the time.
Offhand it could be the low pressure switch is not cycling at the correct pressures.

 

[Guest]

Depends where the frost is.

 

[Guest]

Frost occurs on the return side to the accumulator, and the accumulator itself. And the factory new HD6 continues to be very stiff to turn by hand. I did the necessary addition of PAG oil and turning the compressor by hand around 15 revolutions.

I figure if the low pressure switch mounted on the accumulator wasn't working, the compressor would never engage.

Any ideas?