AC Parts List

[willemml]

I mentioned earlier that I want to repair my A/C stuff... Was hoping someone could take a look at my parts list and tell me if it makes sense or not (anything clearly wrong or missing). I also am going to replace the heater core, fuel filter, spark plugs, and cabin air filter, as those are all long overdue and I've got a bit of a rough idle sometimes... I also need to replace my PCV valve but not sure I want to get that from rock auto.

Fuel filter: HENGST H461WK (not 100% sure here because of the built FPR it is supposed to have, but I know I need the one with 4 terminals)
Spark plugs: BOSCH 96306

Heater core: NISSENS 70226 (do I need anything else to replace this?)
Cabin air filter: BOSCH C3876WS

AC Condenser: NISSENS 94583 (I know there are two models, I am pretty sure this is the right one? VIN is WAULC68E33A310873)
AC Evaporator: NISSENS 92293 (not actually sure this needs replacing, and maybe its not worth it with access being difficult?)
AC Drier: NISSENS 95352
AC Orifice tube: FOUR SEASONS 38642
AC Valve cores: GPD 1311683
AC o-rings: UAC RS2622

Now last summer I already replaced the compressor, I used a GPD 6512216 from rockauto. Once I realized the AC sprung a leak (I am assuming in one of the valves, but not sure) I unplugged the compressor clutch so in theory it still works... but the system has also been open for a while (disconnected some pipes) so maybe I need to replace that too? Denso is expensive... If I don't replace it how much oil do I need to put in, and how do I flush it?

Anyways, thanks for looking it over and thanks for any advice. If there are better places to buy certain bits let me know, but keep in mind I am in Canada so shipping gets expensive very quickly with multiple vendors.

[willemml]

I was thinking of also getting the PCV valve from germanoem.ca (I have a 20mm one).
And would then get the fuel filter from there as well, as well as the AC pressure sensor schrader valve. And I also noticed they have a heater core gasket kit.

Fuel filter
Vaico 20mm PCV valve
AC schrader valve
heater core gaskets/clamps

[shurur9]

I use Discount ac parts an buy their kits.

I always replace the drier/accumulator/catch can, orifice tube with the compressor.

To find leaks, I do the unthinkable, by actually pressurize the system and use soapy water to find leaks.

I wouldn't go shotgunning AC parts.

Since I replace the dryer and vac the system after, I am not worried about moisture.

Let the shitstorm begin.

[willemml]

Yeah that is how I was looking for leaks, put together an adapter for an air compressor and pressurize the whole thing, but I couldn't locate the leak...

I will definitely be replacing the orifice tube, drier, and condenser. What I am not sure of yet is if I should replace the evaporator and compressor as well. And I will of course be vacuuming out the system as soon as it is sealed.

[easyAudi]

Yeah that is how I was looking for leaks, put together an adapter for an air compressor and pressurize the whole thing, but I couldn't locate the leak....

definitely check the G65 sensor - the electrical connector side is not an uncommon leak source. I'd do that even before buying any other A/C parts. Took me awhile to discover that and solved my own AC problems.

And unless the condenser or evaporator have a confirmed leak, unsure there's a need to replace them. After a leak or open system, absolutely replace the drier.


Also, I've read some folks say using compressed air to check AC leaks is a big no. I defer to others more experienced.

[MoRbiD]

I had to do some work on my AC system a couple years ago. I only evacuated the system but replaced the drier when doing the reassembly using these parts.

Spacer for Receiver Pipe: 8E0-260-800
Dehydrator/Receiver: 8E0-820-193-P
AC line at Receiver O-Ring: 4E0-260-749-C
AC line (High Side) at Evaporator O-Ring: 4E0-260-749-A
O-Ring at Orifice Tube: 8E0-260-749
A/C Orifice Tube: 8E0820177A

IIRC you need to get into the dash (behind the glovebox) to get to the evaporator.
You can always flush it.

[willemml]

I guess I'll try and flush the evaporator instead of replacing it. I'd rather not have to cut into the plastic behind the glovebox. Just need to figure out where to get aerosolized AC flush in canada, I don't have a compressor.

Given the system is open right now I don't really have a good way of locating the leaks, or specifically checking the G65. Once the vacuum pump arrives maybe it will be audible.

[willemml]

Parts are ordered, will be replacing everything except the evaporator and the connecting tubing. Still need to figure out how I'm going to flush the evaporator. Maybe I'll just have to buy an air compressor.

[krazeedrivr]

They make a flusher kit, but yes definitely need a compressor. Make sure to get the solvent type of flush, not the citrus type. You want it to thoroughly evaporate, and the citrus type doesn't. The flush is real easy to do, just press the nozzle into the low pressure line up by the firewall. Make sure to remove the orifice tube first on the high side and let it drain at that connection.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ0SXFG...d_asin_title_5

[Turbo510]

Unless you have reason to believe the condenser is bad (rock damage, etc.) I'd leave it alone. Same with the evaporator; there generally shouldn't be any reason to change it. My son's Audi Q5 had it's compressor just stop transmitting torque to from the pulley to the internal pistons, so we just installed a new one. Didn't bother with the orifice, nor the receiver-dryer due to having a lot of things in the way. The only part of the system we opened was the hose connection at the compressor, and immediately pulled a vacuum for a long time to boil off any water. After a recharge, the AC was fine.

[willemml]

Yeah I've decided to put minimal effort into this after some thought, I will change the schrader valves and drier, but nothing else. If it doesn't hold vacuum after that oh well. I am only driving it for another two weeks before parking it for an unknown amount of time (going back to school soon so swapping to a truck for the move back, and I just got a motorbike ...) I am fairly certain the compressor and evaporator are OK, and the condenser looks rough but I didn't hear any leaks last time I checked. Not worth dropping 800$ on AC that I won't get to enjoy though.

[Turbo510]

I'd also question changing the Schrader valves. Those are very reliable, plus the plastic caps that are on the service ports have seals, making the service ports unlikely to leak. Why do more work than you need to, unless you just enjoy it.

[willemml]

They're easy to get to, and the plastic caps are missing from the service ports. Also I already have a full set of the valves on hand. And I'm going to have to reattach the condenser hose anyways, so I'm already there and have the parts on hand... Otherwise I would agree with you. Also to be honest, I actually do enjoy the work haha, part of why I love this car.

[ye1low]

BTW just to add... you do NOT have to have exacuate they system to change schrader valves nor do you need to lose any freon.

[willemml]

Yeah I saw those cool kits to do it without losing pressure. Too bad all my Freon leaked out 2 weeks after I fixed the system last year. And I've since taken all the pipes out of the car anyways so it's definitely empty.

Good to know for everybody else though.

[Turbo510]

BTW just to add... you do NOT have to have exacuate they system to change schrader valves nor do you need to lose any freon.

I don't follow that; isn't the Schrader valve the only thing between the freon and the atmosphere, kind of like keeping air in a tire?

[willemml]

There are interesting devices kind of like a combo pliers/screwdriver on a rod that goes through a ball valve, this connects to the AC service flange. You can then unscrew the schrader using the rod, pull it out halfway, close the ball valve, then pull it out the rest of the way, all without breaking the seal. Repeat in reverse to install the new schrader. Think like a laparoscopic surgery.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/SURIEEN-Valve-.../dp/B0BXWW3QM8

[ye1low]

I don't follow that; isn't the Schrader valve the only thing between the freon and the atmosphere, kind of like keeping air in a tire?

Common in the HVAC world. Every good AC manifold set should have one. Probably the best AC tool I own other than my yellow jacket gauges.

[Turbo510]

Interesting, never heard of that. Thanks.