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'97 Metro - AC Needs Fixing (compressor)
Topic Started: Jun 26 2017, 10:32 PM (305 Views)
HarmonyHollow
New Member
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Hello folks,

This week I picked up a 97 Metro (3cyl, manual trans) from a good friend. I'm the 2nd owner, now... New tires and wiper blades - and it has passed state inspection. Now for comfort!

The car has sat for 2-3 years in his driveway... And he told me that the air has really not blown COLD in a LONG time. As in - it might blow some cool air when driving in the shade of a big-rig next to me, or if it is a cloudy day. As we approach the triple-digit realm of temps in N Texas, I'm motivated to get this car cool!

The compressor sometimes makes a god-awful squeal when the AC is turned OFF. The engine also has a pretty noticeable vibration to it - usually when the A/C is turned on, and I'm at idle at a stop sign/red light.

I suspect the compressor/clutch may be the culprit for the noise.. I know the schrader valves on the hi and low sides need replacing (unscrew the dust-over caps, and there is some pressure release behind the caps).

I have found a few compressor kits online that include the compressor & clutch, O-ring sets, dryer, and an expansion "device", and a bottle of the oil (~$250).

As for tools - I already have an A/C vacuum pump as well as a manifold hose set (Harbor Freight on both of those).

Any additional items I may need before starting? (I'm sure i can get some A/C schrader valves as well - and may have some left over from when I worked on my Silverado).

And - any caveats I need to watch for when doing the work? (removing compressor, finding the dryer??, finding the expansion valve?? - neither of these were obviously seen when I looked under the hood)

Thanks,
Rex S.
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Mrbreeze


Just replaced the compressor and the dryer on mine a month ago, the clutch went out and couldn't buy a replacement, could have replaced the bearing but everything was original and just opted to replace, $300 at auto zone.. The dryer is in front of the radiator, the expansion valve is located in the evaporator box under the dash, I didn't replace that, it would require removing the dash, the oil can be purchased at Walmart, the refrigerant also..
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geogonfa
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Hi...
compressor is an easy swap 3 bolts holding it in and 2 lines with one bolt each...just make sure the tensioner bearing is good...
when installing the "O" rings it's best to soak them in the Pag oil first...helps them seal and also not get pinched...
the receiver/drier is under the hood right behind the bumper and in front of the radiator on the left side...held in with one bolt through a strap and the two lines on top, be careful to not strip them...
the expansion valve has to be removed from the evap core under the dash...this can be done without removing the dash...I will be doing a write up soon so keep a watch out for geos garage...
http://geometroforum.com/topic/8111407/4/#new
like stated above; oil (pag) and freon can be purchased at Wally world...
134a doesn't like moisture or air in system so when you evacuate make sure you vacuum it out for at least a 1/2 hour...in-between that time make sure it's holding that vacuum...
if for some reason you need help I'm located Hutto, Tx. ... PM me if you need too...
:type
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HarmonyHollow
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Thank you both for the info! I'll get the parts ordered later this week - and will definitely watch for the write-up!

(I've got a heater core to replace in my '01 Silverado - and that's a 6-hour disassembly job of the dash to access it, then 6 hours to put it all back - so if there's a way in the Geo to NOT open the dash - I'm all ears!. That said - my old '91 F150 was about 15 minutes to change the heater core - and that includes a beer at the end!)
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HarmonyHollow
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Ya know.... I *really* should have looked at things closer before thinking (or presuming) that the compressor was bad....

I only got the car about a week ago - then 2 days ago ordered the compressor kit.... THEN I went outside and saw that the condensor coils were almost fully clogged with 20 years of debris & gunk blown directly at them from the blower fan... Needless to say - 30 minutes later after I'd cleaned a good part of the coils - it started properly flowing air over the coils. The system still isn't as cold as I would expect (and cannot keep up with the heat even on a 90 degree day) -

Luckily I contacted the online parts store I had ordered the compressor kit from in time to cancel the order before they shipped it. If I need it later - I can re-order.

So I may not actually need a new compressor - but just new schrader valves after I pull the electric fan so that I can get to more of those coils to clean and back-wash with water - then evacuate the system, change schrader valves, and re-charge things... We shall see!
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