terryKS

Hi
For starters I have an 01 3500 HD 6spd w/duals, 285K miles.

No A/c, just had mechanic do pressure and leak test for me. He said compressor is leaking(shot).
Im gonna tackle this when I get back home next week and thought I'd put this up to have something to go off of when I get back in town.

Please list any and all things related to removal and install of the AC compressor if you have knowledge of this. I tried to search but it is not workning at this time.

I appreciate this forum and all the people that put their input into it. I am new to diesels and have learned a wealth of info about my truck since I found this website

Thanks!

BBWD

Terry: From what I have read on here, if you are going to replace the compressor, it is also a good idea to replace the condenser, dryer and expansion valve because when the compressor goes it blows particles into the system. I'm sure there is someone with more knowledge than me who will chime in. A few years back I had to replace the condenser (deer +1, Cummins 0) and it was about $120 if I remember correctly.

John (DH)

Stamey

If your compressor still runs, but leaks, you probably don't need to go as far as BBWD suggests. When the compressor comes apart (this can usually be diagnosed by the compressor locking up), you want to flush the system good, and replace the orifice tube (this is the equivalent of the expansion valve), and possibly the other parts BBWD sugested. On your truck, the orifice tube is in the low side line, running from the condensor to the filter/drier. It is gonna cost about 100.00 to replace the orifice tube, as you cannot just replace the orifice tube, you must replace the entire line (DC in their infinite wisdom).

Back to the compressor. If you can charge the system and the compressor works OK, but leaks, you can just replace the compressor and the filter/drier. The filter/drier is very important, as AC systems do not like moisture, and the drier is what removes the moisture.
The replacement of the compressor should be no big deal. Hopefully the new compressor will come with the necessary o-rings for the 2 line connections (get new ones if it doesn't), and will also come with the clutch. If it does not come with the clutch you will likely need a special tool to pull the clutch off your old one to instal on the new. Perhaps someone else knows specifically about these clutches. I have not needed to take one off so I do not know for sure.


Chris