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How hard is it to change your a/c compressor?


Dannymik

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How hard is it to change an a/c compressor with the 3100 in a 1995 Cutlass Supreme? Do you need any special tools and would you have to replace anything else besides the compressor? Any help would be great...thank you!!!! 8)

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Its not all that hard. But make sure you get it discharged first or do it in a place where you know there arent any cops. Discharging an A/C system into the air is illegal and you could get fined for some serious money. If I were you, I would release the upper line to get out all of the pressure and air. That way you wouldn't be releasing the freon. Hope this helps

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How hard is it to change an a/c compressor with the 3100 in a 1995 Cutlass Supreme? Do you need any special tools and would you have to replace anything else besides the compressor?

 

You SHOULD pull a vacuum for 60 minutes to get out all the moisture in the system.

You SHOULD flush the system with compressed air.

 

When you replace the compressor, you will NEED to replace the accumulator and the orifice filter.

 

Why are you replacing the compressor? Did the compressor die (Black Death)

and blow chunks into the condensor?

 

Do you have high and low pressure readings for the current system?

 

http://www.ackits.com is a good place to get info.

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well....I'm not a mechanic by no means. I can change my oil, some brake work...stuff like that. This is why I ask so many questions on this site. The clutch on the compressor is shot...its not engaging the compressor so I would say that its dead. I recharged my a/c last summer (with no luck)which lead me to know that its the compressor. Therefor I have no test readings. The junk yards around here want $75 to $100 for this part. Seems a little high for a part that might not last, because of the miles on all these cars. So how do you discharge the system?

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Replacing the a/c compressor is not that difficult at all provided you have the tools to work with.

 

You need the R134a or R12 manifold gauge. Vacuum pump. Flush kit with flush fluid.

 

1. First remove the a/c compressor, accumulator/drier, orifice tube filter (if applicable). Plug the openings to prevent more moisture from entering the lines.

 

2. Use the flush gun kit with the flushing solution. It is a fast drying liquid in a pressurized can. I've used a regular car 12v compressor to build up pressure on the flush gun kit/can. Make sure you flush both the Evaporator core and lines and the Condenser and lines.

 

3. Connect the accumulator/drier, a/c compressor, orifice tube (if applicable). BTW, most a/c compressor needs to be primed up with oil (pag or ester).

 

4. Use the vacuum pump to pull vacuum for about 60 minutes or so. The vacuum will not hold if there is a leak. If there is no leak, then any moisture should evaporate itself due to the high vacuum.

 

5. Charge it up with refrigerant, oil, leak sealer. Set the blower high and a/c to high while trying to charge up the a/c to the right amount.

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  • 8 years later...

should be right on the high side line, since the last time I looked at a drawing as far as a 3100 in the lumina is concerned. Pshojo, what vehicle are you talking about

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I found the orifice tube, coming out of the radiator, towards the firewall. I also bought compressor, because I put dye in it, and it is leaking from every seem on compressor. Just following another post, versus adding another string, needlessly.

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