While replacing the passenger side motor mount I broke one of the AC hoses. I think these were old and fragile so I'm shifting the blame!

I've done plenty of work on all of my vehicles and AC systems are the only thing I haven't touched. I feel it's time to learn and a good start is on the XJ. I'm planning to purchase an AC gauge set, new hose set, accumulator, lubricant, and refrigerant. Possibly a vacuum pump.

I'm wondering if it's necessary to evacuate the system before replacing the new components. I believe the compressor was replaced ~3 years ago so the refrigerant should be in good shape.

Any other advice is very welcome as I tackle this.

 

you will need to pull a good vacuum before recharging. This is critical! best bet is to pump it over night, really evacuate it well. water from atmosphere can take a long time to remove via pumping, as water molecules tend to cling to surfaces. Also upon pump down, do a stand test. this test means pump it down, then close the pumping valve and then wait a period to see if pressure goes up or not. if it goes up, that indicates a leak.

Suggest you replace all the hoses, not only the broke one. old hoses tend to get porous and thus leak freon. Now is the time to replace for optimal performance, and long lasting recharge.

make sure you use correct gas. older car use R12, newer cars use other gasses. usually an old system works best with the R12 rather than substitutes.

have fun and chill!

 

Did you loose your refrigerant when the hose "broke"? If so, no need to evacuate since it's already gone. If it's still holding refrigerant, then yes, you should go somewhere and have the shop "reclaim" what's left. I would also get an o-ring kit and change out all the o-rings while you have it all apart.

Since you're changing out the accumulator, you'll need to add oil. This table is from the '97 FSM but should apply to yours as well.



Once it's back together, you'll need to pull a vacuum to remove any remaining moisture as Rob said.

R-134a systems are filled by weight. The R-134a system charge capacity is 0.567 kg (1.25 lbs.).

 

its cool!

 

Thanks guys for this advice! In my original post: "I believe the compressor was replaced ~3 years ago so the refrigerant should be in good shape." I meant "refrigerant" to be "lubricant/oil". But, Suadad you make a great point, I'll need to add some oil lost when I replace the accumulator.

I'll replace the components, pull a vacuum, test, add about 4oz of oil and 1.25 lb of refrigerant. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Much appreciated.
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