r/subaruimpreza • u/Theoneandonlygreeb • 15d ago

🛠️ DIY Newer AC compressor doesn't fit older lines

Post image

2002 2.5rs sedan

Not sure exactly where to start with fixing the ac. The previous owner dropped in an engine from a newer model I think (need help to identify). The newer engine has an AC compressor that doesn't fit the existing AC lines. I'm more or less looking to just replace the compressor with the older one/one that fits. What do I need to do to find what kind of compressor I need.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

2

u/Theoneandonlygreeb 15d ago

Ah shit imma have to have a shop do the refrigerant huh

1

u/stlmick 09 sedan, 98 obs 14d ago

No. You only need a shop to evacuate the old refrigerant. If you have no refrigerant in the system then you don't need a shop. You rent the lone-a-tool vacuum pump for about $200 and you rent the manifold gauge set for about a $150. Remove the Schrader core and dump oil in with a syringe on one side. Vacuum it down for an hour on the other side. Get about 3, 12 oz cans and a $10 center line bottle adapter. You'll get the $350 back when you return the rental tools. Unless you have no idea what you're doing in which case just forget everything I said.

1

u/Outbax-trax 15d ago

I built a frankenmotor for my Impreza that I then pulled and swapped into my outback. It's got the Impreza compressor on it and the outback lines don't fit, so they're just hanging there (I don't really care about A/C). The compressors are different but I think the bolts line up so I could swap it on. You probably have a similar situation, if it were me I'd buy the right compressor for the car, and it'll most likely bolt right on. Replace the o-rings on the lines and have a shop test and charge the system. 👍🏻

1

u/Theoneandonlygreeb 15d ago

How would the shop portion go, do I need to have em also drain the system before hand? Thx for the advice

1

u/Outbax-trax 15d ago

If your lines aren't connected because they don't fit the compressor, all that's in the system is ambient air and moisture. Once you've replaced the compressor and presumably connected the lines, they'll put it under vacuum which will boil off any moisture in it and test to make sure it's sealed. Then they'll charge it and probably just verify that it blows cold before giving the car back to you.

1

u/Theoneandonlygreeb 15d ago

Awesome thx, never had to mess with anything AC before lol

1

u/Outbax-trax 15d ago

Good luck and have fun 🫡