Do I need a new a/c accumulator? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tom · 05-30-2003, 02:59 PM

Guys, I bought a new compressor, new hoses, new R-134a, and a conversion kit for my 79. I also bought a accumulator off ebay. It turns out the be the wrong one. I dont really have any more money and I need a/c in the 110* days we get here in phoenix. Can I re-use my old accumulator, or do these things go out pretty easy?

gmcbob · 05-30-2003, 07:31 PM

I've heard that you should replace it at the same time you're doing your conversion espically if you already have the system apart, but I dont' know if it's worth the $50-$60.00. I'm running the 134a in my '87 now with the original accumulator, and i'm satisfied with the results. But if I had the money I likely would have change it when I put the new hoses in.

Hope this helps

Bob

gmc7286chevy · 05-30-2003, 07:38 PM

I did a complete changeover with all new parts as u did. I changed the accumulator too. Don't know if it made a difference, but if i have gone as far as u, i would change it too

junkyardpartseeker · 05-30-2003, 07:42 PM

anyone got any suggestions on the rubber hoses on my a/c system. In my 84 suburban I also have the rear a/c and am wondering if I can replace the rubber hoses and what type of clamps to put on the ends?
Tommy

gmcbob · 05-30-2003, 07:48 PM

I'm not sure if the rubber hoses (as oppose to your steel hoses that run to the back) are any different or not on a sub. If so, I bet LMC sells them. I would check for you, but I'm dont' have their sub catalog. And, clamps on the end (?) - all of mine bolt together.

Bob

junkyardpartseeker · 05-30-2003, 07:52 PM

I did check LMC truck and they sell the steel and rubber hoses as one piece units. Mine go down thru the front wheel well and under the body turn into steel. I was wanting to save the steel ones and replace the rubber, but not sure what type of end clamp those are. They are crimped on and not sure where to get them or what tool to use to crimp them.

79BIG10 · 05-30-2003, 08:15 PM

On the hoses you have to have the special hose and fittings. You have the have a shop crimp them on for you since their under pressure. Some local auto shops around here do it. Call around and get some prices.

78SilveradoSWB · 05-30-2003, 10:42 PM

I heard its very advisable to change out the accumulator when rebuilding the air conditioning. The name itselfs says it. It accumulates the contaminants and you really don't want contaminents back into your A/C system.

DrMaserati · 06-01-2003, 03:52 AM

When changing from R-12 to R-134a it is definitely necessary to replace the accumulator. It is essentially not possible to adequately flush the accumulator, and R-12 lubricants are not compatible with R-134a. You should also replace the orifice tube, which probably didn't come in the conversion kit.

05-30-2003, 02:59 PM	#1
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Do I need a new a/c accumulator? Guys, I bought a new compressor, new hoses, new R-134a, and a conversion kit for my 79. I also bought a accumulator off ebay. It turns out the be the wrong one. I dont really have any more money and I need a/c in the 110* days we get here in phoenix. Can I re-use my old accumulator, or do these things go out pretty easy? __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

05-30-2003, 07:31 PM	#2
gmcbob Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 57	I've heard that you should replace it at the same time you're doing your conversion espically if you already have the system apart, but I dont' know if it's worth the $50-$60.00. I'm running the 134a in my '87 now with the original accumulator, and i'm satisfied with the results. But if I had the money I likely would have change it when I put the new hoses in. Hope this helps Bob __________________ Bob 1978 GMC Sierra Classic K15 Shortbed, 350/350/NP203, 31's on Rally's, Restored to Stock Condition. Two-tone Russett Metallic / Buckskin. 1987 GMC Sierra Classic V1500, Longbed, 350 TBI, NP205, 33’s on Chrome Spoke with 4” Suspension Lift. Black. 2014 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax Crewcab

05-30-2003, 07:38 PM	#3
gmc7286chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Dyersburg, TN Posts: 66	I did a complete changeover with all new parts as u did. I changed the accumulator too. Don't know if it made a difference, but if i have gone as far as u, i would change it too __________________ 86 Chevy 1/2 ton swb 99 Suburban 78 Cutlass Supreme 73 JEEP CJ-5 76 Cadillac Sedan Deville

05-30-2003, 07:42 PM	#4
junkyardpartseeker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mabelvale, AR Posts: 695	A/C lines anyone got any suggestions on the rubber hoses on my a/c system. In my 84 suburban I also have the rear a/c and am wondering if I can replace the rubber hoses and what type of clamps to put on the ends? Tommy __________________ junkyardpartseeker@sbcglobal.net

05-30-2003, 07:48 PM	#5
gmcbob Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 57	I'm not sure if the rubber hoses (as oppose to your steel hoses that run to the back) are any different or not on a sub. If so, I bet LMC sells them. I would check for you, but I'm dont' have their sub catalog. And, clamps on the end (?) - all of mine bolt together. Bob __________________ Bob 1978 GMC Sierra Classic K15 Shortbed, 350/350/NP203, 31's on Rally's, Restored to Stock Condition. Two-tone Russett Metallic / Buckskin. 1987 GMC Sierra Classic V1500, Longbed, 350 TBI, NP205, 33’s on Chrome Spoke with 4” Suspension Lift. Black. 2014 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax Crewcab

05-30-2003, 07:52 PM	#6
junkyardpartseeker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mabelvale, AR Posts: 695	hoses I did check LMC truck and they sell the steel and rubber hoses as one piece units. Mine go down thru the front wheel well and under the body turn into steel. I was wanting to save the steel ones and replace the rubber, but not sure what type of end clamp those are. They are crimped on and not sure where to get them or what tool to use to crimp them. __________________ junkyardpartseeker@sbcglobal.net

05-30-2003, 08:15 PM	#7
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	On the hoses you have to have the special hose and fittings. You have the have a shop crimp them on for you since their under pressure. Some local auto shops around here do it. Call around and get some prices. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

05-30-2003, 10:42 PM	#8
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	I heard its very advisable to change out the accumulator when rebuilding the air conditioning. The name itselfs says it. It accumulates the contaminants and you really don't want contaminents back into your A/C system. __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

06-01-2003, 03:52 AM	#9
DrMaserati Village Curmudgeon Join Date: May 2003 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 75	When changing from R-12 to R-134a it is definitely necessary to replace the accumulator. It is essentially not possible to adequately flush the accumulator, and R-12 lubricants are not compatible with R-134a. You should also replace the orifice tube, which probably didn't come in the conversion kit.



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