Seems to be totally toast - as soon as I turn on defrost, the belt locks up and the engine dies. I'm probably going to just disconnect the clutch and leave the mess until next summer.

I've read that the seizing could cause problems in the rest of the system. I know to replace the accumulator and tube in any case, but is there the possibility of anything else being damaged if I leave it as-is for 6-8 months?

 

Use pure nitrogen,compessed air has moister in it and will calls compressor failer.

Your need to pull a vacuum before you try to recharge the system to remove ALL moister.

 

Okay, thanks.

I've found pieces of info on this site and others and would just like to make sure I'm clear on the procedure I'll need to follow (I'll do 2/3/4/6 myself).

1. Evacuate R-134
2. Oil the new compressor and install along with new O-rings and new orifice tube. Install inline filter.
3. Flush condensor, evap and hoses and blow them out (can't this be done with compressed air if it is going to be professionally evacuated anyway?). Reinstall.
4. Oil and install new receiver/dryer (just before step 5).
5. Evacuate/pull vacuum
6. Fill R-134

Does this look right? Thanks again.

 

As long as whoever pulls a good vacuum then it should not be a problem. After you install the new compressor its a good idea to charge the system with nitrogen to check for leaks.

 

Thats what I would do, but pull the vacuum and let it hold for awhile...watch for leaks.