suprjohn Posted January 22, 2014 Share Posted January 22, 2014 Hey All, in the spring, i would like to repair the air conditioner on my '89 DL wagon. i'm sort of confused as to whether my A/C is factory, or dealer installed. what i can tell you, is the compressor is mounted outboard of everything on the accessory drive. there is a prominent metal tag riveted on the passenger side of the engine bay that states the system uses R-12 refrigerent. obviously, R-12 is obsolete now, thanks to the EPA. so. as i start collecting the various parts to refurb this system (my plan is to install the parts myself then have a shop charge the system), and change over to R-134, what are the parts that are absolutely necessary, and which are merely a good idea? i was told once on a GM A/C system, that the orifice tube would need replaced (whatever that is). i know the clutch is shot on my current compressor, and i think that i will need the receiver and dryer? opinions and info welcome! john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skishop69 Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 You don't have an orifice, you have a TXV (thermal expansion valve). Yes, you should replace the receiver dryer since it contains dessicant to remove moisture from the system. If the system has no charge, then there was a leak most likely and the dessicant will be saturated from outside air being in the system. You'll need to flush the system completely to remove the AC oil as R12 oils are not compatible with 134 oils and you should replace all the o-rings at the fittings with R134 compatible ones. I've seen guys do it without and have no problems, but they say you should. Napa carries a great 'universal' 134 retrofit kit. As far as you having stock, dealer installed or AM installed AC, I couldn't tell you without seeing it. Generally, If I have an old compressor of unknown condition and the clutch is gone, I replace the whole thing if it's not gonzo expensive. It's been my experience replacing clutches on old compressors, that you end up opening a can of worms with front bearings and seals. Not too mention, since it didn't work when you got it, you could spemd money on a clutch, install it and have a bad compressor and you're out money. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suprjohn Posted January 23, 2014 Author Share Posted January 23, 2014 Thanks Skishop! so in your opinion, should the TXV be replaced? john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skishop69 Posted January 23, 2014 Share Posted January 23, 2014 Hard to say. You can do a visual inspection if you remove it to see if there's any debris in it indicating the compressor may have failed. If there's no debris, there's still the question of will it work or not. Been a long while since I replaced a TXV, but if it's cheap, I would. Again, you could put it back in, charge the system, find it doesn't work and have to have the system evac'd, replace it and then recharge. I dislike working on 'unknown condition' AC systems for this reason. It can be a pain. BTW, did you test the clutch by hot wiring it to see if it engaged or is it just fragged? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suprjohn Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 Hey Skishop, the pulley wobbles and grinds when you turn it, so pretty sure the clutch is toast. I'm like you, I'd just as soon replace what needs to be replaced and do the job once. I figure if I start collecting parts a little at a time, by the time summer's here I should have them collected. Thanks for the advice & info! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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