trans am a/c leak

[alicia]

hello, i have a 2000 trans am ls1 that keeps losing its a/c charge. i replaced all of the seals i could access but i cannot get to the 2 lines on the back of the compressor. these seem to be really hard to get o, any ideas? do i need to remove the compressor to get to these? anyone else have a leaky system and can offer any ideas? thanks

[twozs]

instead of hit and miss mechanics why not take it to an ac shop and run some dye through the system and find out where the leak is instead of where its not. granted sometimes the dye will not work so well but it sounds like you have a major leak and the dye should do. myself id put about 150 psi of nitrogen through the system and hit all the fittings with the leak check

[bobybracciole]

hello, i am alicias husband and am experienced in A/C servicing and troubleshooting. i have put 300 psi of nitrogen and a tracer charge of r-134a into the system, leak tested with electronic and good old fashioned soap bubbles, and the only fittings i can't get to are the compressor attachments. has anyone ever done a compressor job on an f body ls1 that could explain to me how to gain access to these fittings on the back side of the compressor? and again, thank you for all of you support.

[cammed goat]

I know on certain GMs, the hoses merge into one coupler and bolt to the rear of the compressor.

[rbob93]

Two hoses converge in a block with a bolt in the middle.
Easiest way is pull the compressor from under the car.
Don't tip it with the hose block off.....oil will spill out.

[SMWS6TA]

You are going to need to remove it to get to them, you may be lucky and get to it by removing the starter and work through the K member. It's been a while since I did one last (2002). So I'm going from memory.

Here's some hopefully helpful instructions, some you already know but it is a step by step guide. If you need images let me know it will take a few mins to get them all and post.

1. Recover refrigerant.
2. Strap from compressor and condenser hose.
3. Compressor and condenser hose fitting at thermostatic expansion valve.
o Discard seal.

4. Raise and suitably support vehicle.
5. Compressor and condenser hose fitting at condenser.

o Use a back-up wrench to hold condenser fitting while loosening compressor and condenser hose fitting.
o Discard O-ring.

6. Bolt/screw.
7. Compressor.
8. Compressor and condenser hose.
o Discard seals.

Install or Connect

1. Clean fittings with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.

o Do not allow refrigerant oil to enter A/C system.

2. Seals to compressor and condenser hose.

o Lightly coat seals with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.

3. Compressor and condenser hose into position.
4. Compressor.
5. O-ring to compressor and condenser hose.

o Coat O-ring with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.

6. Compressor and condenser hose fitting to condenser. Tighten

o Compressor and condenser hose fitting to 27 N.m (20 lb. ft.) .

7. Bolt/screw. Tighten

o Bolt/screw to 10 N.m (89 lb. in.) .

8. Lower vehicle.
9. Seal to compressor and condenser hose fitting.

o Lightly coat seal with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.

10. Compressor and condenser hose fitting to thermostatic expansion valve. Tighten

o Compressor and condenser hose fitting to 37 N.m (27 lb. ft.) .

11. Strap to compressor and condenser hose.
12. Charge A/C system.
13. Leak-test fittings

[SMWS6TA]

Here are the pics that came with those instructions

[cammed goat]

That's what I thought. One bolt holding the A/C manifolds in place.

[bobybracciole]

Thanks guys for the help, as soon as i muster up the will i'll remove the compressor, hopefully it's just thos seals and not the compressor. robert and alicia.