Dodge Intrepid Service Manual page 969

24 - 32 PLUMBING
A/C COMPRESSOR (Continued)
REMOVAL
The A/C compressor may be unbolted and reposi-
tioned without discharging the refrigerant system.
Discharging is not necessary if removing the com-
pressor clutch/coil assembly, engine, cylinder head, or
alternator.
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS IN THE FRONT
OF THIS SECTION BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable remote
terminal from the remote battery post.
(2) Loosen and remove the drive belts(Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL) or (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY
DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL).
(3) Disconnect the compressor clutch wire lead.
(4) Recover the refrigerant from the system. (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY)
(5) Remove the refrigerant lines from the compres-
sor.
(6) If system is going to be left open, plug or cap
the open lines.
(7) Remove compressor attaching bolts (Fig. 3) and
(Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 COMPRESSOR MOUNTING - 2.7L
1 - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
2 - A/C COMPRESSOR
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - PUSH PIN
5 - ENGINE OIL COOLER BRACKET
(8) Remove the compressor.
Fig. 4 COMPRESSOR MOUNTING - 3.2L/3.5L
1 - SERVICE PORTS
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - A/C COMPRESSOR
4 - HIGH PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
INSTALLATION
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS IN THE FRONT
OF THIS SECTION BEFORE PERFORMING THE
FOLLOWING OPERATION. (Refer to 24 - HEATING &
AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING)
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumb-
ing will reduce the capacity of the entire air condi-
tioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the
flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the
flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of
all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose.
In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should
be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3
inches) from the exhaust manifold.
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure
that each of the refrigerant system connections is
pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to
inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once
a year to make sure they are in good condition and
properly routed.
NOTE: If a replacement compressor is being
installed, be certain to check the refrigerant oil
level. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE) Use only refrigerant oil of the type
recommended for the compressor in the vehicle.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT OIL - DESCRIPTION)
LH