I have a bad A/C compressor and one of the lines, after it was diagnosed by a shop. They wanted a buttload of money just to R&R the parts, so I bought the parts myself and was going to change them. Then I was reading my Chilton's book on "how to" do all that (basic mechanical stuff), and it mentioned using some kind of a "backwrench" when removing the lines, and also to add so much refrigerant oil to the accumulator before installing it, and to use that same type oil on the seals when installing the lines, etc.
My questions are is it OK to use "regular oil" on the seals when installing the lines, can refrigerant oil be purchased by people without license, and is there any real tricks to doing this?
This is for a '91 Z with a 5.7L, I'm replacing the compressor, accumulator, the metal line that runs to the condensor, and also the one that attaches to the compressor itself, plus the orifice tube. The system is discharged, as it has totally leaked out, R-12 system. As always, thanks for any help.

KAM

you should be able to use regular oil, but do't word me. ALso, you shouldn't have to worry aout that liscense thing. Just get the job done and then pay to have the stuff put in. It wouldn't be that much more than doing it yourself.

You can't use regular oil.

I don't think you have to have a license to buy oil, if you get the kind that is in a bottle or whatever. To get the kind that comes in a small Freon can, you do have to have one.

Use refrigerant oil on the O-rings.

The license is easy to get; I took a test and paid I think it was $12, and it's good for life. With the price of service these days, it's worth the effort to get one.

http://www.imaca.org/training.htm

how about changing over. they sell the kit at any auto parts store