Hello,


Does anyone have a step by step guide,on how to change a Saturn 2001 / L-300 AC Condenser? If so, pleaase send it to me or show me where I can access this information.


Thanks in advance for your assistance.


Regards,


CO2Man [img]smileys/smiley17.gif[/img]

 

A step-by-step isn't necessary if you're replacing it and familiar with replacing things in general under the hood. The a/c system is special as it involves low and high pressures greater than what is commonly known and special precautions are needed before opening what is considered a sealed system until a leak or catastrophic incident occurred where thesystem completely depressurizes and renders the a/c unuseable. Then when its determined that there isn't any pressure/refrigerant left in the system components may be replaced orrepaired. At this point you may be able to use AutoZone's guide to replacing a/c parts,Google auto a/c repairs/parts, trying http://ackits.comor any online site specializing in automotive air conditioning for guidelines and specific information.


A condenser coil will have two fittings that are coupled to either hoses or fixedlines with mating fittings, each coupling having an O-ring to provide a pressure seal. One side of the fitting will have a fixed nut that's integrated to the line while the mating fitting will have a loose nut held captive by the end tubing that's flared. One flare wrench (or plain snug fitting wrench) is used to hold the fixed nut preventing that side from twisting and damaging the fitting/line while another flare wrench does the actual turning of the opposite nut to either loosen or tighten the two fittings together. The O-ring fits between the two end pieces to provide the leak-free seal when the fittings are tightened properly. replacing the O-rings is standard procedure, lubricating them with a light coating of refrigerant oil. Failure to use new O-rings, lubrication, and proper tightening/loosening techniques will lead to weakening of the aluminum fitting, a poor pressure seal, and leaking of refrigerant/oil from improper handling. The goal in a/c repairs is to restore the a/c system to its normally pressurized sealed system. When the replacement is done then the system must be evacuated to remove any air and moisture, leaving as near a total vacuum as possible before refilling with the proper amount of R134a and lost refrigerant oil. Here's a small guide; http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80107. If the replacement is done properly and no equipment is available then going to an a/c repair shop can complete the rest of the repairs, leak testing, evacuation, and recharging the system.

 

there are three primary components in a vehicle’s air conditioning
system including the compressor, saturn ac condenser, and evaporator. these parts
are connected by tubes and hoses to form a continuous path with two
distinct sections: a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. in
order to transfer heat from the vehicle’s interior to the outside air,
a chemical refrigerant is circulated throughout the system. in theory,
the A/C system accomplishes the same task as the engine’s cooling
system, in that both absorb the heat from one area and release it to
another (heat transfer). while coolant remains a liquid during the heat
transfer process however, refrigerant repeatedly alternates between a
liquid and a gas as it circulates throughout the air conditioning
system.