A/c service question

[ericarmstrong]

I pulled a blower box, dash, evaporator,  and vents from a junkyard eagle the other day and it got me thinking about hybritizing an a/c system.  My idea is to use the evaporator from the parts eagle with the rest of the system from my grand Cherokee drive train parts car. The GC system blows ice cold.  Is there any reason the eagles evaporator couldn't be mated to the system? When an A/c system is opened to the atmosphere what parts have to be replaced?

[BenM]

You should get a new expansion valve rated for 134a and test your thermostat. Use the Jeep thermostat if possible and it's already 134a. The newer refrigerant has a different temperature range, but the old stuff can be made to work if necessary.

You absolutely need a new receiver/dryer. It has a moisture-absorbent that goes bad if exposed to the atmosphere for too long. Moisture is the enemy of A/C systems.

Also find or borrow a vacuum pump and run it connected to the system for at least 24 hours. This will remove nearly all the moisture.

Everything can be mated. You just need fittings and a good shop to crimp the ends. Regular hose clamps can not be trusted. The high-pressure side is pretty intense.

[eaglebeek]

You should get a new expansion valve rated for 134a and test your thermostat. Use the Jeep thermostat if possible and it's already 134a. The newer refrigerant has a different temperature range, but the old stuff can be made to work if necessary.

You absolutely need a new receiver/dryer. It has a moisture-absorbent that goes bad if exposed to the atmosphere for too long. Moisture is the enemy of A/C systems.

Also find or borrow a vacuum pump and run it connected to the system for at least 24 hours. This will remove nearly all the moisture.

Everything can be mated. You just need fittings and a good shop to crimp the ends. Regular hose clamps can not be trusted. The high-pressure side is pretty intense.

Well spoken, Ben.