1997 SW1 A/C commpressor replacement

I was wondering if anyone here could help. I need to replace the A/C
compressor on my SW1 and I am trying to locate the dryer unit but it
seems to be tucked away somewhere that I can't see from looking down
under the hood. Can anyone tell me where this is located? Even better,
is there any websites that have specific diagrams of my engine
compartment? Any help would be appreciated

- Bill

 

it is in the high pressure line under the engine behnd a splash sield.
I woud suggest though if you do not have a professional recovery
system or at least a vaucum pump you will not be able to replace
anything without further damage to the system. AC systems are not just
dump and replace parts, there are evacuation procedures that need to
be imployed otherwise the system will fail again in a very very short
time. There is a certain amount of oil needed in the system as well as
refrigerant, o-rings etc. If your trying to save money then go to an a/
c service center. You could replace the compressor which would save
you a great deal BUT let an a guy do the dryer and charging of the
system, you'll be money ahead. I use to do a/c service but I new
better that when my system needed repair to take it to someone that
still
had all the equipment.
Phil

 

Thanks for the reply, and yes, I will definitely take it to a service
center to get the vacuum and recharge done. I will certainly consider
your advice but I think we may still install the dryer and expansion
valve ourselves. I am curious though, why do you recommend having a
service center do the dryer install? Is there something more tricky to
it that I may not be considering?

I have to admit that my dad is helping me with this job and he seems
to have a pretty good track record for understanding this sort of
stuff far better than me...and usually knows when he's in over his
head.

 

No, you can replace everything as long as you pick up some refrigerant
oil and get new o-rings. Coat the o-ring with refrigerant oil prior to
putting the fitting back together. I only suggested the service center
do this because if you burned up the old compressor then they should
flush the lines with refrigerant solvent before the replace the dryer
and expansion valve. The dryer should not be open to the atmosphere
for any lenght of time before the systemis evacuted and charged. When
shopping for a ervice person check and see what they are charging for
the dryer and expansion valve and IF they would put yours in.. some
wont warranty their work unless they provide the parts..
Phil

 

If there is still refrigerant in the system, it should be recycled properly
(which involves pumping it out and into a recycling tank). Once the system
is down to ambient pressure, it can be opened up to replace components.

As components are removed, it is good to measure the amount of refrigerant
oil that remained in each component and tell this to the person performing
the re-charge. The system must have a minimum quantity of oil that
circulates within it. Too little, and the compressor will fail and too much
will reduce the cooling capacity. As you are replacing the compressor and
drier, it makes sense to have the evaporator and condenser coils flushed
(not with compressed air as it leaves moisture behind - bad). Then you can
start fresh and add the initial recommended quantity of oil.

I didn't see whether you had R12 or R134. Make sure if you add the oil, you
get the right type. The two refrigerants have specific oils that are used
with them.

The vacuum pump down has to be greater than 29" Hg - the point where water
boils off at ambient temperature. It is necessary to get any water/vapor
from the system before charging or it will freeze and block the expansion
valve/evaporator.

** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

 

Because of the nature of the dryers job in the system, it should not be
changed if the system has not been cleaned and purged.

I would be surprised if a reputable ac guy would not require he install the
dryer as part of the service.

If the compressor has burned, he may want to acid clean the piping and heat
exchangers as well.

Likewise for the expansion valve, you don't want to get any debris from a
contaminated system in to a new valve.

Saving a couple bucks up front could very likely cause a repeat compressor
failure.