Thread: AC Gurus needed...

Hey guys, I'm trying to get the AC running in my 04 Grand Prix. The system was empty when I swapped the motor 2 years ago, and I never bothered to do anything with it. I recently replaced all of the seals and o-rings in the system, and was wondering what else I should swap out before attempting to get it filled.

Thanks
-Rob

if your taking it to a shop they will put the system under vacuum to make sure its not leaking, then they will fill it.

you change the orifice tube? if your old compressor took a crap its best to change that tube too.

If the system has been opened, it needs to be put under vacuum for "X" amount of time. They can also do a leak test, but it only finds large leaks.

Like scotty said, replace the orfice tube, and possibly the accumulator.

When it gets refilled, add a small amount of UV Dye to the system just for safe measures incase there is a leak or one springs up.

The accumulator should really be replaced since it contains a desiccant bag that absorbs any moisture left over after pulling a vacuum on the system. Having been non-functional for that long, the bag has probably had its useful life used up at this point.

Did you open the system for any length of time, or did you drop the compressor and remove the engine with the system intact? If it was open at any time and was exposed to anything like actually driving the car or just being open for a few weeks then I would flush the entire system out to get any debris out and as stated above the Accumulator and the Orifice tube, and the dye is a great idea any time I put freon in for someone I always use the some dye. You don't even have to use any of that expensive black light stuff, just use a CFL black light bulb from Walmart in a drop light and it will light up like you slaughtered a Predator in there if it does leak.

Jeff

Automotive r134a had dye in it.....

Originally Posted by RickyBobby03

Automotive r134a had dye in it.....

You mean all? Because I know there are a lot that do not. Dupont Suva doesn't and most of the other store brands don't. I always add dye first then run a can of regular 134A through my gauge set just so I don't get the dye everywhere.

Jeff

My supplier only carried automotive for a while. When we needed it for smaller appliances , we had just the standard r134 no dye

Check the size of the nozzles on each tank

Originally Posted by RickyBobby03

My supplier only carried automotive for a while. When we needed it for smaller appliances , we had just the standard r134 no dye

Check the size of the nozzles on each tank

Oh, you are talking about the larger tanks of 134 not the cans at the store right?

Ah yes. The smaller cans - no idea. It should have dye in it if it's automotive. At least thats how it is for me in what I do

Unless it is marked on the can they usually do not have dye in them. They have regular cans, cans with "stop leak" in them cans with dye (they are usually purple) cans with PAG in them. Then you can buy just the oil as well. I did one last week for a guy and told him to buy a can with dye in it and then told him not to leave it in his car. He did and came out now he has dye all over the inside of one of he seats. Then next day he brought in another can and I filled it and ended up needing more I have about 4 cans here and used one. Man that dye sucks to get out.


OP make sure to get the correct amount of oil, I don't remember how much you are supposed to use on an accumulator change out but it's around an ounce or so. Also if your having it professionally done they should know.

Jeff

When replacing the compressor , the instructions to measure the oil are included

you need to drain both new and old compressor , compare and adjust

He didn't say anything about changing the compressor and the last 2 accumulators didn't have instructions on how much oil is supposed to be replaced when changing them I had to look it up.

Although sitting for the last 2 years probably is going to require a compressor change especially a system with a leak, at least on this side of the country.

Jeff

Just measure what you remove and replace I did all new Delphi compressor , ac delco accumulator and orifice tube off rock auto for $200

Thanks guys!

I looked on RockAuto and don't see an orifice tube listed (2004 Grand Prix). Was this part used in the 04+ cars?

Looks like the A/C Receiver Drier / Accumulator is $29.99 for ACDelco, so I have one of those on order.

I honestly can't remember if I opened the system in order to swap the motor around. I do know that I initially pulled the compressor from the motor, and left it in the engine bay sealed up when I pulled the motor out. I may have had to empty it at some other point, I can't really remember. The system has been closed for the most part though, never driven with anything disconnected.

Is the only good way to find a leak to fill the system and see if it loses pressure?

Thank you
-Rob

Fill it with nitrogen. Listen and / or spray for a leak.
Chances are it's leaking at the service ports or condensor

You could pull a vacuum but it's not going to tell you where the leak is.
If you fill it , you may be able to see the dye or oil or hear it. You can also spray too

Looks like this system uses an Expansion Valve in place of the Orifice Tube. Parts ordered!

I'll probably be taking the car into a shop for a vacuum test / AC charge. Hopefully there are no leaks, and I can get some cold air!

-Rob