How difficult is it to replace the AC compressor on a 1994 Chevy S-10 pick up?

Answer 1

That is just a measure of skill and experience really. First of all, you need to know if the A/C system has any refrigerant left in it. You can do this by just depressing a schrader valve with a pick or small screwdriver. Make sure to stand clear and not look at it when you do because you can get oil blown into your eyes. If yes then you should need to have the system evacuated by a licensed A/C repair tech. Chances are that you don't want to do that so although i wouldn't recommend doing it you can just screw open a shrader valve just enough to leak over the course of an hour and walk away to not inhale all the refrigerant. I don't know if a 94 would have R134a or R12 since it is near the cutoff point for most cars. If it is R12 then you need to buy a kit from NAPA or something to convert it to R134a since it is really hard to find R12 service kits. the kit comes with some cans of r134a and adapters that screw onto your valves. Once it is bled down to zero pressure you just remove the hoses from the compressor. Then its just a matter of loosening the belt from it and removing the compressor itself. i havent worked on one exactly of that but i have replaced s10 compressors both newer and older than that. once you put the new compressor in, replace all the O rings that on all fittings you had open with new GREEN A/C O RINGS, NOT THE BLACK CHEAP ONES. The green ones don't shrink and expand like the black ones will and shouldn't leak. For good measure, put some PAG oil on the O rings before putting it all together. Tighten all bolts and then put the belt back on.

If you needed a kit for converting it over, follow the directions on that kit since they are all different. THE BEST WAY TO RECHARGE IT IS TO HAVE AN A/C MACHINE since then you are able to suck the system down into a negative pressure which both checks the fittings for large leaks as well as removes air from the system. if that isn't an option then just follow the directions on the kit for how to add the cans. do not overcharge the system as you could burn up another compressor. typically though that isn't a problem since most of those kits don't come with enough for a lot of systems. but do make sure you don't overfill it.

good luck...i hope this answer helps i know this question was asked a long time ago but maybe it will help someone else down the road?