Replacing A/C Compressor

[How Do I]

I'm wanting to replace the A/C compressor on the 95 blazer and wondering what all is involved. I tried recharging the current one about two years ago and though it worked great while it was charged, all of the refrigerant leaked out the front of the compressor within an hour or so. Aren't you supposed to replace the accumulator along with the compressor? What part(s) of the job would I be better off letting a shop perform? I can't see buying a set of gauges and vacuum pump... but I guess it depends on what I could purchase them for and what a shop would charge... Ideas?

[Ray]

I'm certainly not the one to advise you in this situation, I'll mention what we are doing to an old outback, 2003, of my sons. It has a compressor leak a the shaft, and quit cooling last year. He is picking up a used one at the junkyard. We are going to vacuum and charge it. I will watch your thread to see advise also however. We have access to a vacuum pump and a new sniffer, recovery unit, etc so a bit better situation than you are perhaps. one of my sons does home and commercial, Heating ventilation, and Air Conditioning, so we had to pick up some connector adapters etc. but its easy to charge. the old Ac units didn't have accumulators and if its vacuumed clean enough it should be ok I believe, and be free of moisture. You could change the accumulator later if necessary, I'd think, but as I mentioned I'm no authority and I'm sure someone will scold me for my thoughts, best wishes, ray

[Harry Chickpea]

If you are going for the expense of a new compressor, my thought would be to let a shop do the job properly. Leaving the pump attached for hours is a big part of getting all the moisture out. Trying to do without one or overflush with refrigerant will not create happy longterm results.

[tamsam]

A good shop can replace the seal in the compressor. I have done many on the older GM cars and trucks. Good luck getting it fixed. Sam

[Beeman]

When replacing the AC compresor it is always recommended to replace the accumulator and the orifice tube. Most AC compressors require this for the warranty. Be sure to add the proper amount of the proper oil to the compressor and the accumulator before installing. All o-rings should be lubed with mineral oil.

[fixer1958]

What Beeman said is the standard practice. If it is 'just a leak', you may be able to get by with just changing the compressor. Vent output may be acceptable if there are no other problems. Make sure it is your only leak.
If the compressor is locked up, that's another story.

R134 you need to use PAG oil in the compressor. Read the directions that come with it if you do it yourself. Usually 2-4 ounces.
A 45 minute vacuum is sufficient and recharge it to the exact charge recommended and add flouresent dye.
16 ounces to a pound of refridgerant. 1 can doesn't always equal a pound. Look at the can.
Make sure your fan clutch works also. If it doesn't blow, it don't work.
Critical for AC unless you want to blow freon and dye all over your engine compartment.
It doesn't smell very good either.
JMO

[How Do I]

I picked up Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning to learn a bit more. I think I tried finding a new seal for the compressor last time I was considering fixing the A/C, but didn't have much luck.