Contents Section: General Servicing - All Makes All sections

A/c System General Servicing GMC S15 Pickup

General Servicing - All Makes 16 illustrations ~2379 words

COMPRESSOR OIL CHECK

CAUTIONWhen discharging air conditioning system, use only approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment. Make every attempt to avoid discharging refrigerant into the atmosphere.

Note. Only new, pure, moisture-free refrigeration oil should be used in the air conditioning system. This oil is highly refined and dehydrated (moisture content less than 10 parts per million). Refrigeration oil container must be kept tightly closed at all times when not in use, or moisture will be absorbed from the air and introduced into the refrigeration system.

Note. Harrison Compressors, built by the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors, may have been referred to in the past as Frigidaire, General Motors or Delco-Air Compressors.

HARRISON A-6 6-CYLINDER

The system is fully charged with 10 ounces of refrigeration oil. It will not normally require addition of oil unless definite oil loss has occurred due to ruptured line, leaking compressor seal, replacement of system component, compressor overhaul, or vehicle collision.

No Sign of Oil Leakage

  1. Remove compressor. Drain and measure oil. When replacing compressor, replace the amount drained plus one ounce. If the amount drained from compressor is over 8 ounces, system must be flushed. Replace accumulator and install compressor filled with 10 ounces total.
  2. If evaporator is replaced, add 3 ounces to the new evaporator. If condenser is replaced, add one ounce. If accumulator is replaced, drain old accumulator and measure oil. Add the same amount, plus 2 ounces, to the new accumulator.

Signs of Excessive Oil Leak

  1. Remove compressor and accumulator. Drain and measure total oil from both components. If less than 6 ounces, add 6 ounces to the system. If more than 6 but less than 8 ounces, add the amount drained. If a new accumulator is installed, add 2 additional ounces to compensate for oil retained in the desiccant.
  2. If amount drained is more than 8 ounces, flush system. Replace accumulator and install compressor filled with 10 ounces total.

Note. If oil drained contains metal chips or other foreign material, flush system. Replace expansion tube, accumulator, and other components as necessary.

HARRISON V5 5-CYLINDER

  1. When a V5 compressor is removed from the vehicle for servicing, the amount of oil remaining in the compressor should be drained and measured. This oil should then be discarded and new refrigerant oil added. NOTE: Drain oil from the oil drain plug open to insure complete draining of oil from the compressor
  2. The compressor has a unique lubrication system. The crankcase-suction bleed is routed through the rotating swashplate for lubrication of the swashplate bearing. The rotation acts as an oil separator, which removes some of the oil from the crankcase-suction bleed, re-routing it to the crankcase where it can lubricate the compressor mechanism.
  3. Up to 4 ounces of oil can collect in the crankcase. All replacement compressors will be shipped from the factory with 8 ounces of oil in the crankcase. The oil must be drained from the oil drain plug opening and retained. Replace the oil in the same quantity as previously drained from the old compressor.

Note. If a new accumulator must be added to the V5 system, add an additional 2 ounces of oil to the compressor to compensate for that retained by the original accumulator desiccant.

HARRISON DA-6 6-CYLINDER

Systems with this compressor are fully charged with 8 ounces of refrigeration oil. Due to the compressor's design (without oil sump), the compressor does not have to be removed for oil measurement. Note the following situations for checking and adding oil with this system

No Sign of Excessive Oil Leak

  1. If compressor is replaced, remove, drain and measure oil. Replace with same amount of new oil plus one ounce. If evaporator is replaced, add 3 ounces of new oil. If condenser is replaced, add one ounce.
  2. If accumulator is to be replaced, remove, drain oil, and measure. Replace with same amount of new oil, plus 3 ounces. If no oil can be drained from old accumulator, add 2 ounces of new oil.

Signs of Excessive Oil Leakage

  1. As the DA-6 compressor has no oil sump, the compressor retains a minimum of refrigeration oil. Therefore, only the accumulator needs to be removed, drained, and its oil measured.
  2. If the amount recovered is less than 3 ounces, add 3 ounces of new oil to the system. If the amount is more than 3 ounces, add the same amount of new oil as that drained from the accumulator.

Note. If a new accumulator must be added to the DA-6 system, add an additional 3 ounces to compensate for that retained by the original accumulator desiccant.

HARRISON R-4 4-CYLINDER

Systems with this compressor are charged (new) with 6 ounces of refrigeration oil. Due to compressor's design (without oil sump), compressor does not have to be removed for oil measurement. Note the following situations for checking and adding oil with this compressor

  1. If compressor is replaced, remove, drain and measure oil. Replace with same amount of new oil plus one ounce. If evaporator is replaced, add 3 ounces of new oil. If condenser is replaced, add one ounce. NOTE: Also see Component Oil Replacement Quantities chart under "SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS" in this section.
  2. If accumulator is to be replaced, remove, drain oil, and measure. Replace with same amount of new oil, plus 2 ounces to compensate for that retained by the original accumulator's desiccant.

Signs of Excessive Oil Loss

If system has lost excessive oil, remove the accumulator, drain and measure oil. DO NOT remove or drain compressor. If more than 3 ounces is found in accumulator, add same amount of new oil as was drained. If less than 3 ounces is measured, add 3 ounces of new oil. If a new accumulator is being installed, add 2 additional ounces of oil to replacement accumulator.

Oil Charge Doubtful or System Contaminated

If exact quantity of oil in system is in doubt or oil drained from components contains foreign particles, drain and flush system. Then, add a new charge of 6 ounces of refrigeration oil to system.

NIPPONDENSO 10-CYLINDER

To ensure that the Nippondenso 10-cylinder compressor has the proper amount of lubricating oil, discharge the system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and remove the compressor. Remove the service valve assembly. Turn the compressor upside down and drain the oil from it. Once the oil has been drained, refill the compressor with 2.0-3.4 oz. of Densoil 6, Suniso No. 5GS or equivalent compressor oil.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

  1. Discharge refrigerant from system using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment and disconnect liquid line at evaporator inlet. Remove orifice disconnect liquid line at evaporator inlet. Remove orifice tube using needle nose pliers or orifice tube remover tool.
  2. If difficulty is encountered during removal of a plugged or restricted orifice tube, remove as much impacted residue as possible. Using a heat gun, hair drier, epoxy drier or equivalent, carefully apply heat 1/4" from dimples on inlet pipe. Be careful not to overheat pipe. NOTE: If system has a pressure switch near orifice tube location, remove the switch prior to heating inlet pipe to avoid damaging switch.
  3. While heat is being applied, install orifice tube extractor. Use a turning motion along with a push or pull motion to loosen orifice tube and remove it.
  4. To install orifice tube, swab inside or inlet pipe with R-11. Add 1 oz. of refrigeration oil to system. Lubricate new orifice tube and refrigeration oil to system. Lubricate new orifice tube and O" ring with refrigeration oil and insert into inlet pipe. Install orifice tube with shorter screen end first.
  5. Reverse the rest of removal procedure to complete installation. Recharge system and test system for proper operation.

BEFORE OPENING THE SYSTEM

Before disconnecting any lines or fittings, the system must be completely discharged using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.

DISCONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS

  1. After system is discharged, carefully clean entire area around coupling nut to prevent dirt from entering system. Always use 2 wrenches to avoid twisting or distorting lines and fittings (hold fitting with one wrench while loosening coupling nut with second wrench).
  2. Cap or plug all LINES and FITTINGS immediately to prevent entry of air and moisture into system. Do not remove these caps until connections are being made.

COMPONENT REPLACEMENT

When components are replaced, system oil level must be adjusted. Add refrigerant oil to replacement component. See Compressor Oil Check article, as well as, Component Oil Replacement Quantities chart under SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS in this section.

CONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS

A new "O" ring should be used in all instances when connecting lines and fittings (dip "O" ring in clean refrigeration oil and make certain it is not twisted during installation). Always use 2 wrenches to avoid twisting or distorting lines and fittings. Tighten coupling nuts securely.

PLACING SYSTEM IN OPERATION

After component replacement and/or system servicing has been completed and all connections have been made, proceed as follows

  1. Evacuate the system using vacuum pump.
  2. Charge the system with R-12. See REFRIGERANT CAPACITY in this section.
  3. Leak-test the system, with particular attention to all new connections and components.
  4. Make a performance test of the system. Never assume that a recharging has automatically corrected a problem.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

Diagnosis is an important first step in A/C system servicing. To save time and effort, systems should be carefully checked to identify the causes of poor performance. By using the following diagnostic charts, defective components or system damage can be quickly located. To identify problems that are specific to one system, refer to the repair section of this manual. The charts in this section apply to all systems.

PREPARATION FOR TESTING

  1. Attach Low and High side gauges.
  2. Start engine and allow it to warm up.
  3. Set system to COOL and blower to HIGH.
  4. Open car doors and hood.
  5. Run at fast idle for 2-3 minutes.
Altitude (Ft.Above Sea Level)Absolute Pressure Of Atmosphere (psi)(1) Gauge Altitude Correction (psi)
014.70
100014.20.5
200013.71.0
300013.21.5
400012.72.0
500012.22.5
600011.73.0
700011.33.4
800010.93.8
900010.54.2
10,00010.14.6
(1) Subtract correction shown from gauge readings
(1)Subtract correction shown from gauge readings

ALTITUDE PRESSURE VARIATIONS

Altitude (Ft.Above Sea Level)Complete Vacuum (In. Hg)(1) Gauge Altitude Correction (In. Hg)
029.920
100028.92+1.0
200027.82+2.1
300026.82+3.1
400025.82+4.1
500024.92+5.0
600023.92+6.0
700023.02+6.9
800022.22+7.7
900021.32+8.6
10,00020.52+9.4
(1) Add correction shown to gauge readings
(1)Add correction shown to gauge readings

ALTITUDE VACUUM VARIATIONS

OPERATIONAL TEST GAUGE READINGS

ApplicationLow Side Gauge (Suct.)High Side Gauge (Disc.)
General Motors
1980-81 (Accumulator Type)24-35150-220
1982-85 (Accumulator Type)
Front Wheel Drive22-29165-205
Rear Wheel Drive24-30130-190
(1) Pressure readings given are for a system in good operating condition, at sea level and an ambient temperature of 80° F 27°C).
(1)Pressure readings given are for a system in good operating condition, at sea level and an ambient temperature of 80° F 27°C).

NORMAL SYSTEM OPERATING PRESSURES (PSI) (1)

Air Conditioning System Performance Check. Scheme 36

Scheme 36: Air Conditioning System Performance Check

Ambient Temperature/Pressure. Scheme 37

Scheme 37: Ambient Temperature/Pressure

Evaporator Temperature/Pressure. Scheme 38

Scheme 38: Evaporator Temperature/Pressure
LOW SIDE GAUGEHIGH SIDE GAUGEOTHER SYMPTOMS (1)DIAGNOSIS
NormalNormalNo or few bubbles in sight glass. High side gauge may go high. Low side gauge does not fluctuate with compressor on/off cycle.Some Air and Moisture in System.
NormalNormalCools okay in morning but not during hot part of day. Tiny bubbles in sight glass Discharge air warm when low side gauge drops into vacuum.Excessive Moisture
NormalNormalThermostatic switch system only-compressor cycles off and on too rapidly.Defective Thermo- static Switch
NormalNormalCycling clutch systems only-Compressor doesn't turn on soon enough. Discharge air becomes warm as low side pressure rises.Misadjusted Thermo- static Switch or or Defective Pressure Sensing Switch
LowLowBubbles in sight glass. Outlet air slightly cool.Low R-12 Charge
LowLowSight glass clear or oil- streaked. Outlet air very warm.Excessively Low R-12 Charge
LowLowOutlet air slightly cool. Sweating or frost at at expansion valve.Expansion Valve Stuck Closed. Screen Plugged or Sensing Bulb Malfunction.
LowLowBubbles in sight glass. Outlet air slightly cool.Low R-12 Charge
LowLowSight glass clear or oil- streaked. Outlet air very warm.Excessively Low R-12 Charge
LowLowOutlet air slightly cool. Sweating or frost at expansion valve.Expansion Valve Stuck Closed. Screen Plugged or Sensing Bulb Malfunction.
Low LowLow HighOutlet air slightly cool. High side line cool to touch. Sweating or frost on high side. Evaporator outlet pipe cold. Low side goes into vacuum when blower is disconnected.Restriction on High Side STV Stuck Open
High HighLow LowEvaporator outlet pipe warm. Outlet air warm. Noise from compressor.STV Stuck Open Compressor Malfunction
HighHighOutlet air warm. Liquid line very hot. Bubbles in sight glass.Condenser Malfunction or R-12 Overcharge.
HighHighOutlet air slightly cool. Bubbles in sight glass.Large Amount of Air and Moisture in System.
HighHighOutlet air warm. Evaporator outlet sweating and frost.Expansion Valve Stuck Open
(1) If equipped with a low refrigerant charge protection system, compressor operation may have stopped.
(1)If equipped with a low refrigerant charge protection system, compressor operation may have stopped.

AIR CONDITIONING DIAGNOSIS WITH GAUGES FOR SYSTEMS WITH INSUFFICIENT OR NO COOLING

SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationOunces
Blazer & Pickups44
"S" Blazer & Pickup40
Suburban
Front System Only48
Front & Rear Systems84
Vans
Front System Only48
Front & Rear System72
Astro & Safari
Front System Only32
Front & Rear Systems48

SYSTEM REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES

ComponentOunces
Compressor
A-6 Model10
DA-6 Model8
R-4 Model (1)6
(1) Capacity shown is for all models with front system only. For Astro and Safari with front and rear systems, use 9 oz.
(1)Capacity shown is for all models with front system only. For Astro and Safari with front and rear systems, use 9 oz.

COMPRESSOR OIL REPLACEMENT QUANTITIES

ApplicationNew BeltUsed Belt
"S" Blazer & Pickups
4-Cyl.
1.9L15790
2.2L Diesel13579
2.5L16990
2.8L V614667
Other Models (2)
4.8L 6-Cyl.14565-100
V8
Diesel Engine17555-100
Gas Engines14565-100
(1) Using standard strand tension gauge. (2) Astro and Safari information not available from manufacturer.
(1)Using standard strand tension gauge.
(2)Astro and Safari information not available from manufacturer.

COMPRESSOR BELT TENSION (Lbs.) (1)

ComponentOunces
Accumulator(1)
Condenser1
Evaporator
All Other Systems3
Receiver-Drier1
(1) On General Motors systems with DA-6 compressor, add 3 ounces; on R-4 compressor, add 2 ounces. On all other models, add amount drained plus 1 ounce.
(1)On General Motors systems with DA-6 compressor, add 3 ounces; on R-4 compressor, add 2 ounces. On all other models, add amount drained plus 1 ounce.

COMPONENT OIL REPLACEMENT QUANTITIES

ApplicationQuarts (Liters)
"S" Blazer & Pickups
4-Cyl.
1.9L9.5 (9.0)
2.2L Diesel
Standard11.5 (11.0)
With H.D. Radiator or A/C12.0 (11.3)
2.8L12.1 (11.5)
Blazer & Suburban
5.0 & 5.7L
W/O A/C17.5 (16.5)
With A/C18.0 (17.0)
6.2L Diesel
With or W/O A/C24.3 (23.0)
7.4L
W/O A/C23.0 (22.0)
With A/C24.3 (23.0)
Pickup
4.3L V6
With or W/O A/C10.9 (10.3)
4.8L 6-Cyl.
W/O A/C15.5 (14.7)
With A/C16.0 (15.1)
5.0 & 5.7L
W/O A/C17.5 (16.5)
With A/C18.0 (17.0)
6.2L Diesel
With or W/O A/C24.3 (23.0)
7.4L
W/O A/C23.0 (22.0)
With A/C24.3 (23.0)
Vans
Astro & Safari
2.5L 4-Cyl.10.0 (9.5)
4.6L V6(13.5) (12.8)
All Others
4.3L V611.1 (10.5)
5.0L & 5.7L17.0 (16.0)
6.2L Diesel
Standard Heater24.3 (23.0)
With Aux. Htr.25.6 (24.2)
Forward Control Models
School Bus
4.8L 6-Cyl.13.8 (13.1)
5.7L15.5 (14.6)
6.2L Diesel25.0 (23.5)
Motor Home
6.2L Diesel28.0 (26.4)
7.4L22.5 (21.2)
(1) All figures shown are actual but may vary + or - 15% due to system variations.
(1)All figures shown are actual but may vary + or - 15% due to system variations.

COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITIES (1)

DESCRIPTION

The Nippondenso 10-cylinder compressor is a reciprocating piston type. The pistons are operated by a swashplate which moves the pistons back and forth in the cylinders as the shaft is rotated. There are 10 separate cylinders, 5 at the rear of the compressor and 5 at the front. Reed valves are provided for each cylinder. This compressor was fist introduced in 1985 on the Chevrolet Nova.

Exploded View of the Nippondenso 10-Cylinder Compressor. Scheme 39

Scheme 39: Exploded View of the Nippondenso 10-Cylinder Compressor

Nippondenso 10-Cylinder Compressor. Scheme 40

Scheme 40: Nippondenso 10-Cylinder Compressor

Note. This article covers shaft seal, pulley bearing and clutch coil replacement procedures for the Nippondenso 10-cylinder compres- sor. The shaft seal assembly is precision-machined with its critical parts finished to extremely close tolerance and as such must be handled with great care. Its slip face demands particu- larly careful handling.

Scheme 41

Scheme 41: SEAL REPLACEMENT

Scheme 42

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 45
  1. Remove Clutch Coil - Refer to CLUTCH COIL REPLACEMENT.
  2. Remove Felt Remove the inner felt with needle nose pliers. (Scheme 41): Remove Felt
  3. Remove Internal Snap Ring Remove the internal snap ring with internal snap ring pliers. (Scheme 42): Remove Internal Snap Ring
  4. Remove Key Using fingers or side cutters, remove shaft key and save it for later reassembly. (Scheme 43): Remove Key
  5. Apply Oil Apply compressor oil to the inner bore of the compressor.
  6. Remove Shaft Plate Insert shaft plate remover against the shaft. Then push the holder ring downward. Pull the remover bar up and remove the shaft plate. (Scheme 44): Remove Shaft Plate Tool (Reference No. 1 - Shaft Plate Remover)
  7. Remove Shaft Seal Remove shaft seal by inserting shaft seal remover against the shaft and turn it to the right while pressing on the remover. (Scheme 45): Remove Shaft Seal Tool (Reference No. 2 - Shaft Seal Remover)
  8. Clean Clean the sealed section of the compressor.
  9. Apply Oil Apply clean compressor oil to the new shaft seal and the drive shaft. If the slip faces are dirty, clean them with thinner and after drying the cleaned face, apply clean compressor oil to them.
  10. Install Shaft Seal Install the new shaft seal on the drive shaft, using shaft seal installer matching the chamfered portion of the shaft seal retainer to the corresponding chamfered part of the drive shaft. Tool Reference No. 3 - Shaft Seal Installer.
  11. Install "O" Ring Install new "O" ring into the groove inside the compressor neck.
  12. Apply Oil Apply clean compressor oil to the seal seat. Tool Reference No. 4 - Shaft Plate Installer
  13. Install Shaft Plate Install the shaft plate using shaft plate installer.
  14. Install Snap Ring Using internal snap ring pliers, install the snap ring.
  15. Install Clutch Coil Refer to CLUTCH COIL REPLACEMENT

PULLEY BEARING REPLACEMENT

  1. Remove Pulley & Bearings - Remove the bearing snap ring from the rotor.
  2. Remove Snap Ring Using snap ring pliers, remove the bearing snap ring from the rotor.
  3. Press Out 2 Bearings Using a driver handle, press out the 2 bearings.
  4. Inspect Inspect the pressure plate and rotor surfaces for wear and scoring. Check the rotor bearings for wear and leakage of grease. Replace parts as needed.
  5. Installation Press new bearings into place and replace snap ring. Reinstall pulley and bearings.

Scheme 46

Scheme 46: CLUTCH COIL REPLACEMENT

Scheme 47

Scheme 47

Scheme 48

Scheme 48

Scheme 49

Scheme 49

Scheme 50

Scheme 50

Scheme 51

Scheme 51
  1. Remove Shaft Nut - Using holder and socket, remove the pressure plate and shaft nut. (Scheme 46): Remove Shaft Nut Tool (Reference No. 5 - Holder)
  2. Remove Shims Remove the shims from the shaft.
  3. Remove Snap Ring Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring securing the pulley. (Scheme 47): Remove Snap Ring
  4. Remove Key Remove key from inside diameter shaft groove.
  5. Remove Pulley Using a plastic hammer, gently tap the pulley off the shaft. (Scheme 48): Remove Pulley
  6. Disconnect Wires Disconnect the stator lead wires from the compressor housing. (Scheme 49): Disconnect Wires
  7. Remove Snap Ring Using snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring and then the coil. (Scheme 50): Remove Snap Ring
  8. Install Coil To install the coil, reverse steps 1 through 7. After tightening the bolt, check to be sure the pulley rotates smoothly. Check to be sure that the clutch clearance is between.016-.028" (.4-.7 mm). Adjust the clearance using shim(s) as necessary. Shims are available in sizes from.0039" (.1 mm) to.0197" (.5 mm). (Scheme 51): Install Coil