AC Compressor change out procedure

[pp270]

Might someone be able to provide me with an AC Compressor change out procedure or post a link to one. If one had pictures that would be great. I have a 2000 GP GT. 3.8 engine.

[tblake]

Its not too difficult, but if you are not familiar its probably best left to the pro's.

-evacuate the system (shop will have to do this)
-remove serpentine belt
-remove bolt securing AC lines to compressor
-remove compressor electrical connector
-remove 2 (or 3 maybe) bolts holding compressor to block
-slip compressor out the wheel well
-dump compressor oil out of compressor into a container (measure this amount)
-reverse instrustions to install new compressor (add the same amount of Pag Oil that came out the old one)
-bring car to shop, have 30inches of vacuum pulled for an hour and then recharged with proper amount of R134a.

[pp270]

With some improvising I changed out the compressor. Does anyone know the R-134a capacity of a 2000 GP GT 3.8 in oz?

[rkvons]

That info is usually printed out somewhere under the hood. Check the capacities section of the owner's manual.

[doctorhrdware]

Before you can put the freon in you must have a vacuum pull it order to remove all the moisture from the system. Tblake stated this in his post above. If it is not done you can hurt the compressor. Plus the system will not cool properly.

[tblake]

Improvizing? Like how? I hope you didnt let the freon go into the atmosphere.

[CrazyHorst]

The R134A is "environmentally safe"...an untold number of vehicles lose part or the complete charge thru the compressor shaft seals, vehicle crashes which puncture the condensor, etc.

It cost $60 for my GTP to be evacuated and recharged. I changed the compressor, filter drier, orifice tube, condensor and the hose asms. It is icy now on Recirc.

R-n-R the compressor is much, much easier if you remove the coil pack bracket and the associated hardware. While not impossible, there are some bolts that are tricky to access.

[tblake]

Thanks for clarifying crazyhorst, I was unsure what all had to be removed on the 3800, I've only had the pleasure of changing a compressor on a 3.4 V6 Chevy Mini-van, which I assumed is similar.

Also, Good observations dock. I missed where he said he added freon without a vacuum pulled.

[CrazyHorst]

This is a post from 17k ago when I did this work. There is some info and a picture of the backside of the compressor there showing the bolts I was speaking of.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t940644.html

[doctorhrdware]

Crazyhorse, where did you get the honeycomb plate for the throttle body. There is an area that looks like it was punched out on mine.

[CrazyHorst]

Doc, I purchased it from RockAuto....look in Fuel/Air and then under Throttle Body. It is called a "screen" although I refer to it as a flow-straightener. Just be gentle with it is my only advice, I was having some troubles getting the "pressfit" to work right and I ended up using a wide flat block of wood to help distribute the forces....I was worried my thumbs were going to fold or damage it. The wood worked perfectly, no damage.

[pp270]

No freon has been added yet since the system still needs to be evaced. The shaft seel was the problem. Also the exterior bearing was almost seezed. It was definitly time for the change out. I did have to remove the coil pack to get access as suggested above. In total there are five bolts. Three in the front and two in the back. Oh also the one nut that holds on the AC lines. I also will be changing out the accumulator and orifice tube before evacing the system and recharging. For now I just have the compressor wire disconnected so it won't engage the clutch and run the system.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by doctorhrdware

Crazyhorse, where did you get the honeycomb plate for the throttle body. There is an area that looks like it was punched out on mine.

ZZPerformance sells them in their used section for $1.00. Which includes the screen and large snap ring.

[tblake]

Nice work pp270! I'm glad you got the job done! However if you live in MN right now you'll need the heater today! A high of 60 degrees (for mid July) Grrrrrr!

[doctorhrdware]

Remember Tim Global warming is in effect. BTW thanks for the heads up on the throttle body honeycomb plate. I will get that ordered. It is 72 degrees here today.