Hi, I went to recharge my A/C today because when I bought the car used the guy told me he had just had all the a/c components replaced and that it just needed a recharge. So I put the gauge on there to check it out, was registering 0, so I put one can in there, still registers 0, put a second can in there and still registers 0, well about that time I hear some dripping under the car only to see all of the refrigerant I had put in on the ground.

When I jacked it up to check things out the metal line that is coming from the bottom of the condenser(guessing what that is near the front of the car behind the radiator) to I guess the back of the compressor is broken off at the top on the compressor side.

I cant imagine how the line would brake in two like that, but that would explain why it wouldnt take a charge

What do I need to do? I dont know much about a/c stuff, does this mean that I need a whole new compressor or is the line seperate and I can just take it some where to have a new line put in.

Thanks in advance,
Charlie

 

Since the system has been open for an unknown time, you are going to need to take it to get evacuated, anyway. You will likely need to get some parts replaced that absorb moisture when exposed to the elements. A shop can give you some guidance.

 

I talked to a shop earlier and they wanted like 278.00 to replace the lines and evacuate and recharge the system.

I would much rather get off cheaper if possible. If I can figure out these lines I guess I will just try to replace them first and see what happens.

Charlie

 

Well sure, you can replace whatever is needed yourself and then take it to a shop to get it evacuated and charged. If you don't get it evacuated, you can cause damage to the compressor from moisture and contaminants if you just self-charge it.

 

shoebox,

Do I have to take out the compressor to get the lines out. I really couldnt see how the lines were attached to the back of the compressor.

Thanks for all of your help,
Charlie

 

This should help a little. There is one bolt that holds the pipe assy onto the compressor. I'm sure the pipes will be hard to get out at any rate.

If you want some real, live pics of the back of the compressor, I could take a couple as I have the engine out of the car, but the compressor and pipes still intact in the car. It would be sometime tomorrow, though.

 

shoebox,

That would be great if you could take a picture of the back of the compressor on your engine that is out. Will help to visualize this thing for me as I am feeling it is going to be a pita to get off, atleast for my limited skills!

Thanks,
Charlie

 

Well trust me their a P.I.T.A., there is only one bolt holding the manifold hose assembly on the back of the compressor.
Your gonna need to drop it down to get the line out, make sure to replace the sealing washers as well.
You gonna need to replace the accumulator as well, it is the drier in the system.
but it should be installed & then system put under a vacuum & charged.
The dessicant material inside absorbes moisure quickly & if not properly done it is a waste.
$278 parts & labor? thats good if it is, just have 'em include a drier/accumulator.

 

Thanks wrencher,

Yeah they said 278 parts and labor, that is if it is just replacing the lines and coolant. So I am sure extra for other parts if needed.

Charlie

 

Well, I managed to get the line assembly out today. The one bolt holding the lines on wasnt to tight which I guess helped.

I had a hard time getting the assembly out and actually dont know if I will even be able to figure out how to get it back in. I didnt have to take the compressor out to work it out.

A metal washer about the size of a quarter fell out from somewhere at some point. Where does this washer go? I cant see the back of the compressor, so I wasnt sure it this was inside the compressor where the bolt that holds the lines in goes.

I found the rubber seal on each of the lines, but is there a seal on the lines going into the compressor. I couldnt tell and nothing fell out.

Thanks a lot,
Charlie

 

I apologize for not getting the pics for you. My presence was demanded elsewhere today.