AC Compressor swap

[ccmickelson]

Finally installed the new Denso A/C compressor I got from Kellyn about a year ago. All went smoothly thanks to the generous guidance and advice from Kellyn.



I haven't had A/C in the Delica since last fall when I was installing the new floor in the Delica and carelessly/stupidly drilled through the rear evaporator unit and subsequently inhaled about a pound of R134a.


I was recently able to source a good used rear evaporator core from Glen Shelly in Colorado (Thanks Justin @GlenShelly !).

Even though the original compressor was still functional I thought I'd replace that while I was at it.


The clutch actuator connector plugs needed to be swapped as the new Denso came with a bullet-style connector and the original used a spade connector. I just cut off both and crimped and soldered the original spade connector onto the new unit using a butt connector.

The manifold plates needed to be swapped and the R-12 compatible refrigerant oil drained and replaced with about 5 oz of R134a compatible oil. I also took the time to replace the O-rings at every union (except the front evaporator unit).

Along with the new compressor I got a new AC Delco receiver/drier that I thought was a good replacement but turned out to be significantly more narrow and therefore would not fit the clamp/mounting bracket.

Nope...


I was able to find a better fitting one at O'Reilly's...Murray 80-7987, which was slightly shorter but a perfect "2.75" diameter) fit:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/murray-climate-control-4525/air-conditioning-16770/accumulator-receiver-drier-16871/receiver-drier-accumulator-12465/429e999a7276/murray-climate-control-filter-drier/807987/4600895?q=80-7987&pos=0

After everything was back together I went over to my buddy Scott's HVAC shop and he vacuumed the system, checked for leaks and then charged it with about 2.5 pounds of R134a. I am happy to report I have nice, cold A/C once again...just in time for summer.

 

[ccmickelson]

Wow, congrats on getting the AC working. This complexity is why I'm scared to even start looking at my non functional AC.

Thanks. I know where you're coming from, but if I can figure it out anyone can. It's just takes diving in. It's not quite as complicated as it may seem but I also had the benefit of starting with a system which was functioning (until I put a hole in the evaporator, that is...).

From a novice's understanding...maybe start with the compressor...does the clutch turn or is it seized? If it engages while the engine is running (when turning on the A/C, is it noisy? Is there any oil leaking from it? Also determine whether or not it been converted to R134a or is still R12 by the type of fittings it has on the low and high lines. After you know you have a good compressor and that the system is clean and leak-free, filling the compressor with the correct type and amount of oil for the refrigerant you intend to use is critical. If you re-use your existing compressor, it should be removed and drained and refilled with the correct type of oil. If you had a failed compressor, or the system has been open to the atmosphere, replacing the drier is critical. It should be replaced as a matter of course whatever the case, as it catches debris as well as absorbs moisture from the system (or atmosphere if there was a leak...). Think of it as the "kidney" of the A/C system. Having the system vacuumed and leak tested is a good idea before recharging with the correct amount of refrigerant.

@Kellyn will probably have more wisdom/advice here.

 

[ccmickelson]

What brand drive belt is that?

Duralast...I got it at Autozone before I installed the D4BF. It’s a perfect fit and I actually saved the packaging...

 

[Growlerbearnz]

Along with the new compressor I got a new AC Delco receiver/drier that I thought was a good replacement but turned out to be significantly more narrow and therefore would not fit the clamp/mounting bracket.

...or just do what the A/C shop I went to did: leave it dangling from its pipes loosely inside the clamp! 25-year-old thin-walled aluminium tube is famously durable, and more than adequate to support the weight of a steel tube while it vibrates... oh, no, wait, it's not. Ugh. ;-)

Thanks. I know where you're coming from, but if I can figure it out anyone can. It's just takes diving in. It's not quite as complicated as it may seem but I also had the benefit of starting with a system which was functioning (until I put a hole in the evaporator, that is...).

Well now you're faq'd.