I was getting R134A at Auto Zone and the guy questioned why I was buying so much....he then me I need to create "vacuum" in the system, or it wont refill. True or False?

FYI: The primary A/C hose assembly came into contact with the serpentine belt system and rubbed a hole in the hose, so I'm replacing the whole hose assembly.

Anyway, the AZ guy told me that the R134a wouldn't go in unless I created vacuum first.

If thats the case, how do I go about doing that?? Or is he clueless?

Thanks!
CL

 

The guy at autozone is right in telling you that you should vaccuum the system, but is incorrect in telling you that the r134a won't go in if you don't.

To pull a vaccuum on the system, you'll need to replace the damaged hose. Then hook up a vaccum pump to one or both of the system ports. This will get all the air (or almost all) out of the system and most of the moisture. Then you would allow the system to sit and verify that the system holds the vaccuum. This will show you that you don't have any leaks.

Then to charge the system, you should add compressor oil, then the r134a.
You may also have to reset a code in the PCM to allow the compressor clutch to engage.

If you need more help, I'm down the road in Rock Hill...

 

Thanks....nice to meet a local! I'm right near the NC/SC border...

Any idea where can i get a vacuum pump? AZ didnt carry them.....

And I cant get the darn hose off!

i'm going to hijack my own thread here, but how do i get this off? there isnt enough room to maneuver it past the headers/engine mount/ac compressor??

I think the a/c compressor might be the easiest to remove...any thoughts??

This stuff is never as easy as it looks

 

I have a pump and the tools, but I can't help today. Maybe tomorrow afternoon if you want to drive down to exit 82c...

I have the factory service manual for the 94... Let me see if they give a step by step on removing that line...

 

Thanks! I just got smart and looked through the service manual, i need to take out the compressor.....

If I can get this all swapped out today, I might take you up on that

Thanks!!

 

The manual gices directions and has diagrams, but its probably different for a car with headers..

 

yep....i think getting the compressor out of there will make it work....

i just need to remember that everything that bolts directly to the LT1 is fractional

 

I'm going up to Lake Norman tonight, but will be back in the morning... I'll check back on this thread in the AM.

Let me know if you want drive down to Rock Hill... I've got the tools (pump, manifold gauges, etc...

 

Thanks....can i drive it with the hose disconnected from the lower radiator and the evaporator box? LOL....

It seems to be 1/16 of an inch too short to go into the evaporator and about 6" to long to go into the radiator attachment. Otherwise, it's all bolted up?!? Even the bracket lines up to the mount?

I wonder if I somehow got the wrong part?!? I'm giving up for tonight :

 

I've never run into a fitment issue where something was 6" too long... That may be the worng part... Maybe it's bent?

 

Maybe I'm just being stupid.....

I'm going to unbolt it and see if i can wiggle it around, although it would seem there is really only one way for it to go on....

 

Looking at figure 1 in the manual, it looks like it can only go on one way...

Where did the belt eat through the old one? Down by the lower connection on the condensor coil?

 

Yeah....the little metal tab that holds it in place broke and in came into contact with the belt.

I just measured it....it's ~1.5" longer....I dont know whats wrong?!? It looks like it can only go one way?

 

So, it's a little too short where it connects to the expansion valve, and a little too long where it connects to the condensor? But it bolts up fine to the back of the compressor?

 

just took it all apart....no way is this the right part...

visually they look the same, but held up side-to-side, the new one is ~2" short on the top, and ~6" too long on the bottom. the hoses are the right length, its the metal tubing that is off...

and i somehow dont think i'm going to find this at auto zone