I bought a remanufactured compressor, a new drier/reciever, an expansion valve and an oriface tube. Is it reasonable to think I can install said parts in my garage, or should I pay a mechanic to do it. I will have to take it in to get the r12 replenished, just trying to save some of my hard earned and scarce money. Do I need any special tools, I know the hoses will be old and brittle.

 

A few things.....

Make sure you got the right compressor. Everyone will tell you they are all the same...they're not. One key area is the superheat switch at the back of the compressor....make sure to transfer it over to the new compressor and if the hole where it goes is in a slightly different location than your original compressor, you got the wrong one. There are work-arounds for this but we'll cross that bridge if we get to it.

Be very careful removing the expansion valve. It attaches to the evaporator core. If you twist the pipe off of evap core.....well.....you have no idea how bad your day just got. So, make sure you support the pipe firmly before removing the exp valve.

Some replacement compressors have metric bolts where you probably have SAE bolts...or vice versa. You might have to make a trip to the hardware store.

The compressor is heavy and awkward to fit, but its entirely doable....just hang in there.

You won't need an orifice tube. Not used on the Jag.

Is there any R12 in the system now? If so, have if pumped out. Dangerous stuff. I personally know a couple guys who are blind in one eye because they were careless with R12.

That's all I can think of at the moment

Cheers
DD

 

Don't forget to add oil to the compressor.

Cheers
DD

 

Doug, you are awesome thank you. A mechanic wants 575 to install the parts. The price includes handling the R12 and a new full charge. Is that high or about right?

 

Not a bargain, but it doesn't sound too bad since it includes the R12, which is expensive these days

Cheers
DD