Last spring when I pulled the motor, my A/C wasn't working, I think the condensor was leaking. Anyway I removed the lines from the compressor to the evaporator and left them off.

My question is this: Is my evaporator and compressor fine leaving them exposed to open air, or are they screwed? I have not steam cleaned the engine compartment since it was like this, and the vehicle has been garaged during the winter months, so it has not been subjected to excessive moisture.

I guess when I do get another condensor, maybe I should suck a little dehydrant into the whole system before I vac and charge, eliminating what moisture is in there. Does this sound sufficient?

Any input appreciated.

 

I would be more inclined to get an install an inline filter/drier. Draw a deep vacuum for longer than usual, flood in a bit of refrigerant, then evacuate (reclaim) the rfrigerant and draw a vacuum again. At 29" Hg, water boils at 71°F, so getting it evacuated shouldn't be a real problem.

You'll also need to completely replenish the oil charge, an thus this might be a really good time to retrofit a different refrigerant than R-12.

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I'd reccomend flushing the entire system, and replacing the accumulator. If it has been open, you are sure to have gotten some dirt in there that would be bad for the compressor!

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I would first change all the oil in the system as refrigeration oil is extremely prone to absorb moisture before putting the system back together mainly because you left it open for so long.If you can get your hands on a bottle of nitrogen , put about 100lbs in it after you put the system back together and chase it out with a little refrigerant.The nitrogen is effective in drying up moisture in a refrigeration system.If you can get a drier that would also be an advantage.I would change your accumulator also. Then pull a deep long vaccume for at least a hour. Let it sit and make sure it isnt leaking.then charge your oil and refrigerant.

[This message has been edited by Blue91' (edited May 12, 2001).]

 

Thanks for the advice guys. It's been awhile since I did refrigeration work. I didn't think to install a filter/drier, and I know I wouldn't have thought to replace the accumulator. I don't think the system will be too dirty because I've only driven it 100 miles since I removed the lines (shoulda left em on). If I did switch to 134a, what type of charge am I looking at? Should I charge according to backpressure, and if so what should that be? Thanks again for the input.