OK to leave AC system open?

[swild]

I'm going to be doing the timing chain cover repair next week. I'm also planning on having the AC system discharged at an AC shop, then driving it home, removing the compressor, and doing the repairs. When I'm done, I'll install the compressor and take it to the shop to be recharged.

My question is, is it ok to have the AC system open and exposed to the air while doing the repairs? Do I have to worry about contaminants, rust, or moisture getting in the system?

 

[r2m]

I'm going to be doing the timing chain cover repair next week. I'm also planning on having the AC system discharged at an AC shop, then driving it home, removing the compressor, and doing the repairs. When I'm done, I'll install the compressor and take it to the shop to be recharged.

My question is, is it ok to have the AC system open and exposed to the air while doing the repairs? Do I have to worry about contaminants, rust, or moisture getting in the system?

If you're going to an A/C shop to discharge your unit, they should be able to answer that question with authority.

 

[Rednexus]

Is it possible to unbolt the compressor and move it out of the way without disconnecting the lines? I have not worked on a UR before but have done that on several other vehicles without issue.

To answer your question, I would want to reduce the potential for any debris or moisture to get in your AC system. I would put rubber plugs in the lines/orifices to accomplish this. It will need to have the drier bag replaced, be evacuated, and vacuum tested prior to recharging. It's pretty easy to DIY all of that with a manifold from HF, a vacuum pump, and a couple of cans of R134a.

 

[swild]

Is it possible to unbolt the compressor and move it out of the way without disconnecting the lines? I have not worked on a UR before but have done that on several other vehicles without issue.

To answer your question, I would want to reduce the potential for any debris or moisture to get in your AC system. I would put rubber plugs in the lines/orifices to accomplish this. It will need to have the drier bag replaced, be evacuated, and vacuum tested prior to recharging. It's pretty easy to DIY all of that with a manifold from HF, a vacuum pump, and a couple of cans of R134a.

There's a guy on here that's done the timing chain repair with the compressor simply moved out of the way, but he said it would have been a lot easier if it was out of the way.

I found a Toyota/Lexus shop that will discharge and recharge my system for only $150 so I can remove the compressor. I'm just wondering if I'll damage my AC system by having it open to the air. I'd plug the compressor lines for sure, but I don't know if that's enough.

 

[Toyoland66]

The accumulator is full of desiccant and will go bad if left open to the atmosphere.

 

[jonshonda]

The compressor has it's own oil so you won't need to worry about lubrication. As long as you turn the AC off and keep it off I don't think there should be an issue.

 

[Green4Gulf]

The A/C shop should also pull, at the minimum, a 30 minute vacuum on the A/C system before they recharge it.

 

[URJ150L]

Had my system open for a week or two while I replaced the busted line… had the system recharged and never had any issues.