Tips for putting in new a/c compressor
 

Well, in the middle of the increasing AZ heat my a/c compressor has died. I've picked up the tools I'm going to need to swap in a new compressor on the car, a 92 Olds Royale 88 this weekend. Just wondering if anyone has any special tips or things to avoid to help make this go more smoothly.

Don't forget to drain the system before you start. You'll freeze a hand off if you disconnect something without doing that. You'll also most likely need a R-12 to R-134a conversion kit to fill it back up now that Freon is illegal.

Well, my dad has a freon permit and bought some while it was still legal, so we've got a $400 tank sitting in our garage.

A lot of times when the A/C Compressor goes out it will pump debris through the lines, ending up in the orifice tube. Usually you need to replace the tube (its only three or four dollars usually). The only other thing I can think of off the top of my head is to measure the amount of oil that came out of the old compressor and replace it with the same amount if it is more than two ounces or add two ounces of oil if the old compressor had less.

The guys are right on with the advice on the orifice tube and the oil. You should also replace the accumulator. That's the cylinder on the return (suction) side of the system. It filters and removes moisture from the refrigerant before it gets back to the compressor. The part should cost @$50.00-$55.00. DO IT! It's cheap insurance for the job, plus, NOT replacing it may void any warranty you may have on your new compressor! At today's R12 prices, you really don't want to do this job too often.

(flushing the lines and condenser are good ideas, too!
do you have access to a recycler?)

Grumpy-
Yes, I do have access to a recycler. This project is getting started in about 12 hours, thanks for all the advice guys! Now if only the rain will stop....