AC Complete Rebuild

[isusho]

I am thinking about doing a complete rebuild of my AC system becuase I was told that most if not all the components are rusted. I don't want to pay the $1800 that is was quoted.

My question is: What is a complete list of things that should be replaced and checked if I am doing the full replacement of the AC system?

 

[Racer X]

I'd replace the receiver/drier (eBay - $25) and that's it. The accumulator isn't available anymore, and doesn't rust more than the surface rust that's on it now, and the evaporator and the condenser are both made of Aluminum and don't rust at all. Then pay to have the system evac'd and recharged for a buck and some change, and you're good.

 

[DHMag]

I'd replace the receiver/drier (eBay - $25) and that's it. The accumulator isn't available anymore, and doesn't rust more than the surface rust that's on it now, and the evaporator and the condenser are both made of Aluminum and don't rust at all. Then pay to have the system evac'd and recharged for a buck and some change, and you're good.

the accumulator is also called the receiver/drier....

 

[Racer X]

My apologies... the other component I was referring to it the canister located in front of the alternator on the MTX car. It's name escapes me right now, but that's the component I was referring to.

 

[SHOtimer]

If you are going to overhaul your AC it usually means that you will replace the accumulator/dryer, the orfice tube, and the compressor. At this time you should have the condenser pressure/leak checked....and replace all of the O-rings in the system.

Doug

 

[isusho]

That was what I was expecting to have to do.

Thanks. Looks like is time to price some parts.

 

[SHOtimer]

FYI - When I rebuilt my sytem I did all of that and was right about at $500. (That included the evac and recharge.)

Doug

 

[isusho]

Where did you get your parts? I am looking at AutoZone and it will be about that just for parts.

Did you replace the lines too? Mine are shot

 

[SHORANGERBIRD]

My apologies... the other component I was referring to it the canister located in front of the alternator on the MTX car. It's name escapes me right now, but that's the component I was referring to.

-compressor manifold assy......

 

[wood_e]

Hey what color is your sho? I've seen a few running around ames, and there's a black one on my street.

 

[isusho]

It's red 92. I haven't seen many SHOs around here.

 

[pete315]

I heard the bottom a/c lines off the compressor for a 93 ATX are obsolete. can't get them- ANYWHERE

 

[isusho]

I have a MTX so no problem there.

 

[DHMag]

there are several companies here locally that can make custom A/C lines/hoses. check your local yellow pages.

 

[thetom]

My AC is also shot. I believe the compressor is siezed and the lines look like they have been sprayed with battery acid at some point in history. I just unplugged it while I catch up on the other more important stuff, but man I wish it worked right now.

Its too hot to work on it now, though.

 

[isusho]

I agree on the heat!

My compressor was still working(hadn't seized). So can I still use it or would it be more wise to get a new one just in case?

 

[SHOtimer]

Where did you get your parts? I am looking at AutoZone and it will be about that just for parts.

Did you replace the lines too? Mine are shot

I bought a brand new Ford compressor (with clutch) on ebay from an AC shop in Texas for about $200. The orfice tube was ~$50, and the dryer was $100 (Kragen orfice tube (VOV), and a Ford dryer). Then all new O-rings, were a few bucks and about $20 to leak test and flush/clean the condenser. And it was ~$80 to evac and recharge. Being a cali car I had no rust so all my hard lines were just fine.

Doug

 

[isusho]

I was just worried about the condenser and the evaporator. But if they are aluminum I wont worry more than a flush. That saves a few bucks...

If there any good way to pressure test the condensor / evaporator, or does that have to be done at an AC shop?

 

[isusho]

I've been looking around and does anyone know if there is a size difference between the Gen II and Gen III condensor?
(Size, depth, mounting location, etc.)

Edit: Nevermind did some searching and the Gen III is much larger.

 

[SHOtimer]

I've been looking around and does anyone know if there is a size difference between the Gen II and Gen III condensor?
(Size, depth, mounting location, etc.)

Edit: Nevermind did some searching and the Gen III is much larger.

I wonder if that would be a possible swap, to gain better AC performance.

Doug