'97 with A/C problem

[decollect]

I already know what the problem is, unfortunately. The really sweet former police car with low miles is showing 1 of it's wear points. Seems that the time it spent idling on the side of the road, it had the A/C on (duh) and now the compressor has died. Pretty sure that's what it was. I've had a thermometer in the vent since getting the car, the temp would average in low '40s with A/C on. Wife took car on road trip, A/C was running warm ('70s) when she got back. I put 2 cans of freon only (no oil charge) and was hearing the compressor making a rumble or knocking noise. Temp went down to the upper '50s for a day, then it seems the clutch gave up.

Question: is it absolutely necessary to change the accumulator or condensor when changing compressor?

Thanks. have compressor coming so any help before it gets here would be appreciated. Figured I'd change the compressor, and send it down to shop for vacuum and charge. Will have to stop by shop first and have them evacuate it first, but that shouldn't be too hard on wallet.

[hupkwondo]

Its not absolutely necessary as the old ones are probably fine. The condensor is almost never changed, but most compressors will not be guarenteed unless you change both the receiver/dryer/accumulator and the expansion valve. The argument is these pieces could hold on to dirt and junk and release it into the system which would be detrimental to the new compressor. If you got a remanufactured compressor from Four Seasons for instance, they will insist on a receipt not only showing you bought the items, but a labor charge as well for installing them! They want to make sure you actually installed the new pieces.

Its probably a good idea to change them out anyway. Over the last 8 years, a lot of rust and whatnot could collect in them. Also, if the expansion valve plugs up, it gives the same symptoms as the compressor not working - no high/low pressure differences.

I would change them out.

Greg

[mobil_12]

It is always a good idea to change the drier and orifice tube/expansion valve when you change a compressor.

The tube also has a filter on it that traps particles in the system and can be blocked up so the freon will not flow correctly.

The drier has a dessecant bag in it the absorbs moisture. If it is a humid day and you open the system for a long period of time the bag is wasted and needs to be replaced. (A new drier)

Like decollect said, Four Seasons requires replacement of these items and a chemical flush of the system for warranty.

[decollect]

Originally Posted by mobil_12

It is always a good idea to change the drier and orifice tube/expansion valve when you change a compressor.

The tube also has a filter on it that traps particles in the system and can be blocked up so the freon will not flow correctly.

The drier has a dessecant bag in it the absorbs moisture. If it is a humid day and you open the system for a long period of time the bag is wasted and needs to be replaced. (A new drier)

Like decollect said, Four Seasons requires replacement of these items and a chemical flush of the system for warranty.

Any good ideas on where to pick them up cheap? The orifice tube and accumulator that is.

Thanks