Alright...I'm gonna tackle replacing pretty much the entire A/C system in my G/f's 03 eclipse. I would bring this up on the eclipse forums, but everyone there is more worried about fart cans, and led nozzles.

Her condenser has leaked freon for about a year and finally the compressor gave out for lack of oil I'm assuming (after charging, then leaking over and over) It sounds like a machine gun when it tries to engage.

SO the systems already empty...I've ordered a new compressor, condenser, drier, and expansion valve.

There's gonna be a good amount of labor but I'm not concerned about that (I replaced the engine and tranny in my mustang by myself). The only real question I have is in regards to adding oil to the system...does it get added after the system is closed or is it put into a fill area? Should I just have whoever charges it add oil to it as well? Should I charge it myself and add the oil? I guess I'm just really unfamiliar w/ that process...

One thing I am sure of is I 'm not gonna pay $1500 in labor to replace 3 or 4 components!

 

you'll have to take it to a shop and have them put a vacuum on it to remove any and all moisture from the system (usually about 15 min or so)....if they charge it and they are half *** smart about it, then will add oil to the system....the compressor will come full of oil...make sure to drain the oil from the new compressor

 

you need to add the specified amout of oil to each part you replace from the ac system. It also has to be the right type of oil. I know thats a cheese dick answer but I don't have alldata in front of me right now. If you like on monday when I get back to work I can check. You add it directly to the part when you replace it. When you are done you should take it to a shop and have them run vacuum on it for 15 min and make sure it holds vacuum. Make sure you also lube the orings on the parts.

 

Thank you guys! So you're saying even though the new compressor comes w/ like 40ml of oil in it - just dump it?

 

well don't throw it away, empty it into a an empty dixie cup or somethin and pour in less then a 1/4 of what came out