a/c repair questions

[Touchdown038]

Okay, so I'm well on my way to getting A/C working again in my 240. I have a used compressor, with a new drier and expansion valve. However, I have a couple of questions...

First of all, is an A/C system flush something that I can do with just an air compressor and a bottle of A/C flush? What exactly do the shops do that make it cost around $100?

Secondly, is it safe to install a belt on the compressor when the system is empty (ie no oil)?

[KaDrifter]

no you can't put a belt on the ac compressor with out any oil that is what lubs it, if there is no oil in it you will have metal shaveings in the lines and the lquid tank, as far as i know there is no flush but a conditioner what i use at the dealership is a bg product they drill a hole into the evaporator and put the conditioner in and then seal it, i would just put it all together and then evacuate the system and recharge

[Touchdown038]

So after a failed compressor, you're telling me to just put it together, evacuate, and recharge. What happens when I start it for the first time and the metal flakes inside the A/C system from the last compressor get in the new compressor? Bad news from what I hear.

One more question... does the lubrication of the compressor come from the oil with the refrigerant? Or do I have to lube the compressor with something else?

[NISTECH]

Ka I know what conditioner your talking about ,its an air freshner thats it. we had it for awhile at or dealer till they dumped BG. Its just like frigi fresh.

You can use compressed air to clean the lines but do not blow air into the Evap as you could damage the expansion valve and if you blow the condensor out use a low pressure setting with the flush. you disconntect the lines at the compressor and at the evap also have the Reciever /dryer off . Then do your flushing. Also the air you use should come through a filter to filter out any oils or water from the air supply. Most auto shop air systems have oil in them and could contaminate the A/C system.

[navysnail]

oil and refrigerant are mixed

[Touchdown038]

Thanks NISTECH, KaDrifter, and 240kid for your replies. So I don't have to flush the evaporator then?

Oh yeah, and besides disconnecting everything, is there any tip to flushing the lines? Or just put it in the lines and then blow it out?

Sorry for all these questions, but I don't wanna have to do everything again, I'd rather just do it right the first time.

[NISTECH]

give the hoses a good blow but go easy on the condensor let it just kinda hiss for awhile till no more of the solution comes out.

[KaDrifter]

when i do ac jobs you should replace all the lines,lquid tank,evaporator, condensor,and the compressor (but warrenty doesn't like to pay for all those parts), i personally have neverblown out any lines after a siezed compressoralso if it on your 89 it has to be retrofitted to r134a if it hasn't already

[Touchdown038]

Nope, I'm getting R-12 put back into it. I got a good deal on a couple of old cans, plus the oil charge.

Oh and when you say the liquid tank, you mean the receiver drier?

[KaDrifter]

yes don't get caught filling r-12 with out a filling station heafty fine

[Touchdown038]

That's what I have a garage for.

So does anybody else have a say on if it's ok to put a belt on the compressor, if I'm not even gonna be running the A/C?

[DAEDALUS]

yes don't get caught filling r-12 with out a filling station heafty fine

As of when? To my knowledge there are no such restrictions on the average Joe Citizen. The person that *sold* the R-12, however, is in trouble if he/she is EPA certified.