I've just purchased a compressor for my '91, as the one installed is currently knocking like the devil (also since it's been sitting waiting for a new part it's become much harder to start and coughs while running, so I'm guessing a new problem formed while it was waiting for a compresser... woo).


My question is this: There are god knows how many snap plier types out there in the world, does anyone have a suggestion as to the general shape/type I need to get this plug out when the compressor arrives?

 

Your pic didn't load, can you re-post?

 

Oh never mind, I clicked and it worked.

Looks like regular/standard snap ring pliers will work, is there a reason you think they won't?

I've only ever seen one "size" just different shapes. Usually you can get one with interchangeable heads.

 

I'm just being overly nervous at this point. I ordered a compressor, dryer, and orifice tube off ebay, waited a week for all the parts to arrive. Sunday I walked outside, set up a table next to my car with all the tools and parts lined up, popped the hood, and found out the compressor I'd ordered didn't have the snap ring cap on it, it was a compressor with the same part number but with just metal where the hole for the safety cutoff switch would go.

This Camaro's my daily driver, and I'd like to get back to my 20mpg normal instead of driving a loaner SUV with >15mpg

Long story short: I've never used snap pliers before and would like to make sure there isn't a specific one needed to get this off, as this looks to be my last big hurdle before I can drive my Camaro again.

That, and figuring out where the damn orifice tube is. Everyone says it's "on the hose leading out of the compressor" but I don't really see exactly where it would be inserted.

Unless it's behind one of these weird metal hose clamps and I need to buy special tools to get those off as well.

 

No worries. Just go to your local hardware store and pick up a pair of snapring pliers (whatever one they have there) and you'll be fine. Shoot, I've taken them off and put them on with just needle-nose pliers before (and some patience! lol).

Can't help you with the tube though, don't have A/C on my car.

 

Bought these Channel Lock snap ring pliers and love them.
They squeeze and open. Also comes with an assortment of different tips (sizes and angled)