Ryan Hollister

Hey everyone,

Upon buying my Audi a while ago, I realized the AC wasn't engaged (previous owner bypassed the compressor) so I decided to hook it up and give it a go. Turns out the compressor is shot. So I bought a re manufactured pump for a few hundred and attempted to recharge it myself - well those AC kits are garbage and eventually took it in to have it charged. Worked awesome - until I drove to work the next day. Heard a pop, hissing, the smell of Freon, and the AC went warm.

Took it in the next day and apparently the rear seal blew out - repair shop thinks it was a crap compressor. Any other reason the seal could blow like that? So I'm getting another one on Monday but I'm paranoid now. I decided to go ahead and replace the orifice tube and dryer as well. But here's my question:

How do I flush the system?
Do I do it with the old orifice tube, compressor, and dryer on THEN flush it THEN replace all the components, then get it charged? I would think if the tube is clogged, a flush would not be very effective.
Where is the orifice tube located?
The BIG question - How much oil for the compressor? I've asked 4 dealerships and they've all told me different amounts from 3oz to 8.5oz (I'm paranoid it'll mess everything up if it's off even a bit)

Thanks for all your help - hopefully I can get to the bottom of this.

shurur2

The orifice tube and compressor are the minimum you replace.

A cheap compressor can fail and send metal throughout the system (black death)..the condensor is first in line for this type of failure.

Discount AC parts has complete kits that are very good.
I'd get a kit and a condensor..and get the lines cleaned out.
The oil amount is usually listed on the compressor and in the instructions..

http://www.discountacparts.com

Relax..youtube is your friend.

shurur2

I have a 3.0..but orifice tube is probably on the passenger side where the charge fittings are...like the 3.0

What one man can do, another man can do.

shurur2

Replacing the orifice tube and compressor is the minimum that should be done.

A cheap compressor will send metal throughout the system.
The condenser is directly in line and takes the worse hit.

Get a full kit a discount ac parts site and a condenser.
The lines can be removed and cleaned

shurur2

oil amount is usually listed on the compressor.

shurur2

www.discountacparts.com
They are on ebay as well.

shurur2

youtube is your best friend..

Ryan Hollister

So I found the orifice tube and the accumulator and replaced them both. They were both very clogged. Got the new compressor in and everything seems to be working fine. WHEW! Cross my fingers and hope it all hangs in there!


The compressor simply says to check with the dealership for the amount - and no one gave me the same numbers. I put 6oz in and it's working great. We'll see though.

shurur2

Great news!!