'96 Tahoe A/C Problem.

[skeeterman]

I'm back. Been couple years since I posted here. Still have the '96 Tahoe with 127,460 miles. I don't use the Tahoe much, only to drive 4-5 miles to get gas for the lawn tractors, etc. Only keep it to pull a 4-wheel trailer to haul lumber, etc. Anyway, I have a problem with the air conditioning system. Last September 2010, I added couple cans R134a to the system as it wasn't cooling like old times. Of course, didn't need AC during the winter months. This spring was a unusual cool year, and didn't need the AC on the Tahoe till last week.

After some inspection this past week, find that the R134a might be leaking from the compressor. The reason I say that, I find where some oily substance has shown up on the under hood padding. I know it has to be coming from the front (behind the clutch) of the compressor, as I measured 21 inches from front top of grill to back to the compressor clutch. That is the same 21 inches from tip (front) of hood back to the oily area on the under hood padding. So, it seems the leak is at the compressor.

I can buy a new AC Delco HT 6 compressor from local Auto Store for $257.00 plus tax.

Here are some questions. In replacing the compressor, is it recommended to replace the Accumulator/drier, the Orifice tube? Which means I would have to do a system vacuum, etc. Can I get by with replacing the compressor and recharging the system?

I have a set of A/C manifold gauges for R134a air conditioning system, plus the fact I know how to recharge the system.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by skeeterman

I'm back. Been couple years since I posted here. Still have the '96 Tahoe with 127,460 miles. I don't use the Tahoe much, only to drive 4-5 miles to get gas for the lawn tractors, etc. Only keep it to pull a 4-wheel trailer to haul lumber, etc. Anyway, I have a problem with the air conditioning system. Last September 2010, I added couple cans R134a to the system as it wasn't cooling like old times. Of course, didn't need AC during the winter months. This spring was a unusual cool year, and didn't need the AC on the Tahoe till last week.

After some inspection this past week, find that the R134a might be leaking from the compressor. The reason I say that, I find where some oily substance has shown up on the under hood padding. I know it has to be coming from the front (behind the clutch) of the compressor, as I measured 21 inches from front top of grill to back to the compressor clutch. That is the same 21 inches from tip (front) of hood back to the oily area on the under hood padding. So, it seems the leak is at the compressor.

I can buy a new AC Delco HT 6 compressor from local Auto Store for $257.00 plus tax.

Here are some questions. In replacing the compressor, is it recommended to replace the Accumulator/drier, the Orifice tube? Which means I would have to do a system vacuum, etc. Can I get by with replacing the compressor and recharging the system?

I have a set of A/C manifold gauges for R134a air conditioning system, plus the fact I know how to recharge the system.

before replacing the compressor add some pag 150 compressor oil about 2-4 oz with the 134 refrigerent to drive it into the system.. I have found with non use the seal will leak until the oil gets back to it..this is common with how you are operating this vehicle...

gm I have found does not have suffecient oil in these systems from day one..the low oil causes these sealing materials to leak..

my 2000 silverado was one year old and I lost refrigerent. I then added the oil and since 2000 I have added total 24 oz of refrigerent over 11 yrs..

[skeeterman]

Will This Work?

Buy this Mastercool Oil Injector. Take the PAG 150 compressor oil, add 1 oz. to the container. Connect the "inlet" hose on the oil injector to the "low side' (Blue) on the manifold gauge port. Connect the Blue "low side" manifold hose and connect to the "outlet" side of the oil injector, and connect the manifold (low side" connector to the "Low side" (suction) port of the compressor. Connect the Red "high side hose to the manifold guage and connect it to the "high side" port on the compressor. Start the engine, turn on the air conditioning at high speed and have the compressor to pull the PAG 150 oil into the system. Will this work?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by skeeterman

Will This Work?

Buy this Mastercool Oil Injector. Take the PAG 150 compressor oil, add 1 oz. to the container. Connect the "inlet" hose on the oil injector to the "low side' (Blue) on the manifold gauge port. Connect the Blue "low side" manifold hose and connect to the "outlet" side of the oil injector, and connect the manifold (low side" connector to the "Low side" (suction) port of the compressor. Connect the Red "high side hose to the manifold guage and connect it to the "high side" port on the compressor. Start the engine, turn on the air conditioning at high speed and have the compressor to pull the PAG 150 oil into the system. Will this work?

I would just buy the oil charge can of pag 150 comes in 2oz/4oz sizes..I believe napa and auto zone has these products ..I got the pag 150 charge cylinder at Napa ...that was a while back...

I would install 4oz pressurized can of this oil..cheaper and remember oil absorbs mositure..adding pag oil when replacing the compressor from the open container type , you must vacuum the system to boil Off the water /mositure and non condensible GASES,,,,,.