2006 Hemi Durango. My compressor locked up so I'm getting a used compressor, new condensor, new dryer and new expansion valve as I heard the bad compressor throws debris throughout the system. I'll evacuate the system before doing any work.

1) How do the lines come off these components? I have a fuel line disconnect tool set. Will these work or do I need something else? Manual says "remove plastic retainer".

2) Once I get the lines off I want to flush the system. I'll pour some cleaner in each line and blow it out with air. Is that right?

3) Can I just pour a capfull of cleaner into the line going to the rear and blow it out? How do I know which is the to and which is the return line?

4) Does it matter which way I flush it?

5) How do I get the old oil out of the used compressor and where can I find out how much to add?

6) Do I need oil in any other component?

Shop wanted $900.00 to do this work and that was with me supplying the parts.

 

I do believe the fuel line tools will work.

Yep.

Yep, doesn't matter which line you use.

Nope, in fact, you SHOULD flush in both directions.

Cleaning will get the old oil out. Don't worry about how much is in there, you are placing a lotta parts, so, there shouldn't be much, if any, left.

Just the compressor.

 

I wasn't expecting all 6 questions answered so quickly.Thanks.

This would be an easier job if I understood A/C, wasn't in the middle of remodeling and painting the exterior of my house, putting a 3rd weed whacker motor on my son's bicycle (2 broken crankshafts so far), building my daughter the fort I promised her and trying get my ****** ready for a trailride at the end of Aug.

Geez, $900.00 may be worth it now that I think about it.

 

Life is fun. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate..... If you have the cash, might be faster/easier to just bite the bullet, and solve the problem the american way. (throw money at it.)

Can NOT disappoint the kids.

 

So I picked up the new drier, expansion valve, o-ring kit, flush, PAG 46 oil, condensor today. I'll remove these components and flush the lines. I'll be leaving the front and rear evaporators in place during flush.

O'Reilly had a nice printout of the capacities. Total system gets 7.4 oz.

1) Drier gets 1 oz and the condensor gets 1 oz. Does this mean that the compressor gets 5.4 oz?

2) I'm assuming I can't get all 7.4 oz in the compressor at once but if I can am I good just filling the compressor with 7.4 oz and running it?

3) Will it harm the drier and condensor if I don't put oil in them to start?

4) Once these things are all installed I'll evacuate it for an hour or so then is it ready to drive to the shop to get it charged?

5) Will I hurt anything driving it this way since I leave the A/C and defroster OFF? If it comes ON it's Ok, just no freon right?

6) Should I add pure freon or at least one can that has stop leak?

Thanks.

 

1. Not sure. Keep in mind, it's a compressor..... and the oil isn't compressible.... could be bad.... I would be tempted to add it to the suction line. (so it gets suck thru the compressor.....)

2. See #1... Don't think you want it all in the compressor.

3. No. The only moving parts are the in the compressor. The rest of the system doesn't care about oil.

4. Yep. So long as it holds vacuum.

5. No. With no pressure in the system, the compressor won't run in any event.

6. Don't know..... I am not a fan of stop leak in cooling systems. (for the engine.....) I suspect the same reasoning would apply to a/c.... (clogs up the works. particularly the orifice tube.)

 

Due to time constarints I'm just getting to this job. HeyYou has me set up pretty good for doing this job but I have 3 more question:

1) I read that the expansion valves should be replaced when a compressor locks up. My Durango has rear A/C also so it also has a rear expansion valve. Anyone know how to get at it?
2) Could my condenser have acted as a filter and kept debris from entering the entire system?
3) I see some pics of a tiny in-line filter that actually fits inside the A/C line; I believe between the compressor and condenser. Kind of resembles an ink pen cartridge. Does this D have one of those?

 

The expansion valves look to me a LOT like just an aluminum block, with some holes in it...... no clue if they should be replaced.
Yes.
Not a filter, its an orifice tube. It DOES act as a filter though...... If it has crap in it, replace it.

 

I need some clarification on adding oil. Is compressor oil the same as refrigerant oil? Is the amount of compressor oil needed for my truck depend on the vehicle or the is that capacity exclusive to the compressor?

 

Same stuff. The oil is for the compressor.

Should be a sticker on the radiator support, or somewhere under the hood, that tells how much oil the system requires.