Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

TomH. on Mon June 23, 2014 11:59 AM

Year: 2001
Make: Buick
Model: Regal
Engine Size: 3.8
Refrigerant Type: R-134a
Ambient Temp: 74
Pressure Low: 30
Pressure High: 75
Country of Origin: United States

Hey guys, been doing a lot of reading here, so I'm willing to give it a try...

My 2001 Buick's AC was not working, (slow leak). I vacuumed the system and recharged with proper amount of refrigerant and dye. It lasted approximately two months.

I checked the entire system with my black light, and found a small amount of dye on the compressor (belly), and on the condenser (lower driver side).

So here is what I'm going to do. Any input by you guys would be very much appreciated.

1. Replace the Compressor, drain-measure-replace-oil, turn by hand. Use blue Nylog on the supplied gaskets (assuming it comes with gaskets, or I'll purchase).

2. Replace the Condenser, add 2ozs. oil, Nylog the o-rings.

3 Replace the Accumulator, add 2ozs. oil, Nylog the o-rings.

4. Replace the orifice tube.

5. Vacuum the system, refill with proper amount of refrigerant.


A. Is there a torque value for the manifold bolt?

B. Are my oil amounts okay?

C. Should I add more dye, or do you think there is enough in there already?

Thanks Tom.

GM Tech on Mon June 23, 2014 1:47 PM

I buy the reseal kits for V-5 compressors to fix the leak

I don't replace accumulators or orifice tubes for an a/c failure mode of "leak" No need to open these joints

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

TomH. on Tue June 24, 2014 10:08 AM

Thanks GM Tech, however, at my skill level I'm not confident enough to reseal the unit. I'm more of a remove and replace guy. Once I have the old one off I might try and take it apart to learn a thing or two. Thanks again. Tom