AC lines for 87?

[bennylava]

Hi all. I have a few questions about my AC system on my 87 Silverado TBI 350.

1. Does anyone here know where to buy new AC lines? The ones on top that go from the compressor to the condenser. The rubber on mine looks a little worse for wear, but I'm not really sure if that matters.

2. Should I also replace the condenser? The compressor still works, but using the screwdriver trick, and placing it up to my ear, it doesn't sound good. Sounds like some rattling going on in there. I recently noticed that when I turn the AC on, there is something of a grumbling noise, that never used to be there. So I had a buddy come over that works on AC's and he said the compressor is probably on its way out.

3. Should I also replace the condenser? What all should be replaced in order to make 100% sure I don't have any future problems? I absolutely hate AC problems and I don't want to leave anything to chance.

Thanks!

[mgreene]

Benny,

I am about to start the AC repair / replace drill on my (new to me) 87. It would be great if you update this thread with current purchase and repair info as you go.

Thanks
Mike

[DieselSJ]

www.ackits.com is where I found mine. They are getting harder to source. I think the application on their site comes up with Suburban or Blazer. Just email them and they'll give you the part number. Their service is awesome.

If you are converting to R134, then you should move to a parallel flow condenser, also available through ACKits.

[bennylava]

Originally Posted by DieselSJ

www.ackits.com is where I found mine. They are getting harder to source. I think the application on their site comes up with Suburban or Blazer. Just email them and they'll give you the part number. Their service is awesome.

If you are converting to R134, then you should move to a parallel flow condenser, also available through ACKits.

Are these the ones you bought for your 87? Also, why did you buy them? I don't know very much about these lines... does the black rubber on them have something to do with the freon, or are they just some type of rubber guard for the line? It looks like the lines are somehow crimped onto the black rubber part, but for all I know that's not very important.

http://www.ackits.com/gm-lite-trucks-89-87-50985

[chris989]

when i did my 89 tbi burb i bought them from napa. Glad i did because the part was listed wrong and they figured out the correct one. They have been on for 6 years now, no leaks.

[DieselSJ]

Originally Posted by bennylava

Are these the ones you bought for your 87? Also, why did you buy them? I don't know very much about these lines... does the black rubber on them have something to do with the freon, or are they just some type of rubber guard for the line? It looks like the lines are somehow crimped onto the black rubber part, but for all I know that's not very important.

http://www.ackits.com/gm-lite-trucks-89-87-50985

Here is the one they sent after talking to them on the phone -

http://www.ackits.com/index.php?rout...rch=ha%209508c

I bought them because my stock ones were shot. Not sure what you mean by the black rubber on them? Part of the assembly is rubber hose. A/C lines aren't all steel line - there are rubber sections.

[bennylava]

Thanks for the help all!

Does anyone have a recommendation on a compressor? I'm sure AC Delco brand is a good one. Are there any less expensive alternatives that are known to be good compressors?

[Katrina/10]

I bought at set of 87 compressor lines from Rock Auto, fit and worked fine. Shaped slightly different from original. Reasonably priced, too.

[bennylava]

Originally Posted by Katrina/10

I bought at set of 87 compressor lines from Rock Auto, fit and worked fine. Shaped slightly different from original. Reasonably priced, too.

Looked for them there, couldn't find them unfortunately.

Should I also replace the condenser? Or not necessary?

[RUN GMC]

Originally Posted by katrina/10

i bought at set of 87 compressor lines from rock auto, fit and worked fine. Shaped slightly different from original. Reasonably priced, too.

^^^^this^^^^

[Katrina/10]

It's still listed, under a/c refrigerant hose, four seasons 55515, for 51 dollars. That is the one I bought. If your system is working now, the condenser should be ok.

[bennylava]

Originally Posted by Katrina/10

It's still listed, under a/c refrigerant hose, four seasons 55515, for 51 dollars. That is the one I bought. If your system is working now, the condenser should be ok.

Ok thanks. I was asking because when I looked on rockauto at compressors, they said they always recommend replacing the condenser when you replace the compressor. But I think they may be referring to people who's compressor actually died. Mine just seems to be dying, but isn't actually dead.

Also to answer one member, the truck is already retrofitted to 134a.

[Katrina/10]

Well, of course they recommend replacing everything for best results (and to sell more parts). If the compressor dies, the gunk ends up in the screen on the orifice tube, which you will replace anyway. I'd give it a shot. Also, it is very common for R4 compressors to make a groaning sound at idle. It doesn't sound nice, but it doesn't mean its bad. I and others have bought many of them, and most of them do it.

[Goats86]

pm me I have a nearly new compressor for peanuts.