I took off the compressor and the dryer, I also removed the screen orifice and I'm glad I did. The compressor still spins but the oil was shot, it was thick and nasty. The orifice told the story. Full of shavings. There was no R-134 in the system, wasted drive to the dealer to find that out. I believe the oil slowly leaked out over time causing the compressor to fail.
I have a new compressor, dryer, orifice and ordered a new condenser. I'm going to flush out the lines and put it back together.

 

That's ugly...

 

I replaced the compressor, the drier, the orifice and the condenser. I sprayed out the lines and vacuumed out the system, left it for 3 days to check for pressure loss, none. Charged it up! I also fixed my broken headlights as the bumper was off the car. I'll give it a road test today, need a couple clips for the plastic odds and ends.

I polished the headlights before I re installed them.

 

rx, quick question I'm hoping you can help with? Where does the orifice tube live in our AC systems? i'm struggling with some performance issues in my system and want to check it before wasting a bunch of r134.

Also is there any torque specs for the line connections to the compressor besides "good and tight"?

thanks in advance for the assistance?

 

I had to order a set of 5 point safety stars to remove the wiring harness.



If you are going to replace the orifice PM me your address I will send you one. I bought a bag of them.

BTW: Those Sport Combi's by Saab are great. Girlfriend bought one many years back, That thing was fast! I had an SE and a Viggen, modified of course.

 

What did you use to flush the lines? I have a condenser, drier, and orifice on the way.
What color was your new oriface?

 

Ugh, that was what I thought. Given the somewhat battleworn condition of my harness, I had hoped I didn't have to dig around by the ECU. Greatly appreciate the video as well.

Also very much appreciate the orifice tube offer. As I currently have three other x400 wagons in revival, I bought in bulk as well.

The SaaBs when they were in the fleet were some of my favorites. Fast (and bonkers when modified) even with the small turbos, handled great given the platforms and so comfy.

Also to answer your question in another post, as a rule I've never seen more than 40-45f @ idle out of the dash at 80 or so ambient. Given the heat here in GA the last few weeks, 55f has been normal without recirc on.

 

I just used high pressure air to flush out the system.

I had a modified turbo on my Viggen along with a host of other stuff. That thing was an animal.