All my tests were leaning toward the compressor being the culprit, but I took it to a shop to be sure. It is the compressor clutch and they quoted $1400 for the compressor, expansion valve and labor. So I guess I am going to tackle this job. One more question - is there any harm in having the system evacuated up to a week before actually opening the system? I'm ready to order a compressor, but might as well have them evacuate the freon while it's at the shop.

 

 

Wow, thanks for that! I was already looking at Rockauto, but not at the kits. They are a good deal. Any recommendations between the different kits?

 

 

Don't pull a vacuum that far in advance. You will have some seepage, even in a new system. Do it right before refill.

 

It sounds like he is just having the refrigerant removed legally so he can work on it.
If the same shop is going to do the charge when he's done, then I'm sure they would be more than happy to put a small charge of nitrogen in it for him since it costs almost nothing.
He should replace the drier anyway, and flush every component, so having the system closed off but neutral is really not of much concern.

 

Yep, that's exactly the scenario. System is drained, but closed and parts are arriving today.

 

Change parts and then go back to repair shop for the proper evacuation and charge. Are you adding oil to the compressor and dryer before the install? You don't have to flush the system, no hard core failure happened.

 

Yes. I'll be adding oil as specified and I will be replacing the condenser/receiver dryer and expansion valves.