Changing the Receiver/Drier - related AC question

[Darin Dux]

I usually bag and tape the connections when I remove them, and inspect
the joints closely when I re-install.  I've taken apart and re-assembled
4 systems in the last 2 years, and the most it's cost me at the shop was
$200 for an R12 evacuation and recharge in my Z, and this included a new
high pressure valve that had gone bad previous to my work.  R134a
systems cost me ~$50 to evac. and recharge.

By the book, yes you should drain all the components and flush and clean
them.  Then the exact amount of oil, refrigerant, etc. can be added from
scratch.  Manufacturers do want you to replace the things Joe mentions,
which I agree is probably the best practice.  However, myself and some
other guys I know that rebuild cars do about a dozen cars a year and
have all had luck with just being clean and careful with the systems.
As long as you don't loose a lot of oil or dirty or damage the
connections everything should work just fine.  My $.02

-Darin

"Stewart, Joe (COX-Atlanta)" wrote:
> Yes. This is going to be expensive, you will need to do a lot. Vacuum, clean
> are mandatory, along with a new receiver/dryer and filter (also mandatory). If
> your condenser has been open for a while it is probably full of junk.
> Depending on how long the system has been without oil, I would plan on getting
> the O rings replaced as well. More than likely they have hardened and are dry
> rotted. On the upside, now would be a good time to switch to R134A.

> My advice is to lube up pretty good, and take it to the nearest AC place you
> trust, and bend over. AC work is expensive, and mistakes are costly.