General Maintenance & Repairs - Installing a new AC compressor

Quick ?? I got the old out and before putting the new 1 back in I was sure I needed to add PAG oil at this point. The autoparts store only sold me a compressed can that is injected with a recharge? I though I was supposed to add oil directly into new compressor before attaching the lines??

Thanks

some new compressors come shipped with the correct amount of oil, it should say somewhere on one of the papers. I definitely wouldn't use just the stuff from the can.

since the system has been left open now, are you replacing the drier?

Yea I got a factory Air replacement which is a GM part. It says in big letters that some OIL is in it but I need to add correct amount in addition but the sales guy sold me the compressed can and I knew I needed other but thought things may have changed since the last time I did an AC.
And yes Ill be replacing the dryer and expansion valve but wanted to get finished underneath the car and install the new comp before replacing the other 2 parts as they are easily accessible from the top.
I did plug the to lines immediately after removing the old but I will still have it professionally evac and charged when Im done.

any more advice>>

Thanks

Should I be using any kind of sealant on the fittings for the dryer and exp valve when re-installing the new?

Should I be using any kind of sealant on the fittings for the dryer and exp valve when re-installing the new?

no. as long as the o-rings are good thats it.

How does the expansion valve come out? I cant see any visible screws/bolts holding it in and the new one is the same, Just the 2 line conectors???

Does it just pull out after removing the ac lines??

thanks

you should also replace the drier and pump down the system before ercharging it....

I will but how does the expansion valve come out???

it's an orifice tube, just pull it out with some needle nose pliers

On my 95 the expansion valve was held in with 2 allen head bolts. Also they should sell PAG oil in little 8 oz bottles. I read on here that our cars are supposed to have 150 wt.

it's an orifice tube, just pull it out with some needle nose pliers

On a 96 LT1 it is an expansion valve. There is no Orifice Tube. Anyway after help from you guys I was able to remove and replace it with no problems

Thanks again

you should also replace the drier and pump down the system before ercharging it....

If the car has some miles on it its not a bad idea. Its always a good idea to pull a vacuum on it to make sure all the moisture is out of the system.

woops, I didn't see year specified anywhere so I just assumed ls car

Just wanted to finalize this thread. All parts replaced:
AC compressor
Expansion valve
drier
All went together with plenty of cuts and bruising. Took it to a friend who does ac and we vacuum the system for about an hour and it held perfect. Charged the system to specs and the AC is once again working as it should.

Thanks for all the help here. I hope I have something to contribute one day myself

I'm about to do the same work myself. Took my 98 SS to have the a/c checked and shop said my compressor is shot and quoted me close to $800 for all parts, labor and freon and I can't justify that nor afford it so I'll be doing as much as possible myself. heh hope I don't mess anything up!

When you are changing compressors you are supposed to take the old compressor and drain the oil out of it and measure how much comes out, then replace the new compressor with the same amount of oil. ALWAYS change the dryer/accumulator when changing a compressor, and always change all orings from anything you disconnect and it will save you alot of trouble. Sometimes if you are having issues charging them system after vaccumming it down try a garden hose on the condensor while its running to help cool it and it can help get things moving.

The fact is you will never get all of the oil out of the compressor. If the compressor says to add oil I normally add 2-3 oz. Put the oil in the suction side and turn the compressor over by hand about 6 times. Make sure you are turning the shaft in the middle not the part where the belt rides.