Hi,

I'm doing an LS swap to my Blazer this month, and I've decided to buy a relocation A/C bracket that allows me to use the Blazer's stock A/C system with the exception that I need an R4 compressor for a 6 groove belt. It will be relocated to the upper, passenger-side of the 5.3 vortec.

At some point, the previous owner of the Blazer had the A/C system converted over to the R134A refrigerant. That's fine - it works good, but I don't know a lot about A/C units. When I remove and replace the compressor (which will also run the same coolant), how much of the rest of the system should I change out?

Should I replace the accumulator, rings, and orifice too? I know you should replace dryers if the system has them, but I don't know if this applies to accumulators (even through they are nearly the same part). Should I get the system purged as well? I want to do most of the work myself, but I don't want to contaminate my system by doing something stupid. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

If your system works good now then there is no need to go changing out perfectly good parts.
When you take the system apart you should seal everything up with painters tape or something similar to keep out contamination. When you re-install it all on the new engine you will just need to have it vacuumed and re-charged.

 

Thanks for the feedback Bandidolenny. As far as I know, my system runs fine. The parts I would be replacing are not all that much in cost, but I agree - why mess with it if nothing is wrong. Most of the youtube videos I saw on replacing compressors and such recommended always replacing the dryer, the orifice, and seals.