Firstfives.org

I picked an a/c compressor off of a 79 528i. It looks like the one I have, only in better condition. I want to replace it with the one I currently have. Naturally, I am not going to take it to a shop. I am also aware that this may not solve my a/c problems. As some of you may know, I replace parts, taking that risk. I currently have the 134a. I don't just want to let this stuff out into the atmosphere. Is there some home remedy of capturing the high pressure, both high and low, and then letting the rest drain out?

Maybe have a shop vacuum it out would be best?

Anthony

Something I did one time that even surprised me that it worked, was to clamp off the hoses by the compressor, then R and R it. I forget what I used, vise grips, C clamp or something like that. I did get a small blast of refrigerant when I first loosened the connections, but that was just what was in the compressor and the few inches of hose near it. Most of the charge held.

Sounds like a plan as long as the hoses are not dry rotted.

I tried that on an old VW van one time on the fuel hose from the tank and it worked for a while, until somehow the vise grips decided to let go.
I was using a drop light with an incandescent bulb so you can guess what happened next... ...fire department, emergency room, Demerol , etc, etc, etc...

A/C systems usually fail because of leaks in 3 places. Hoses, interconnects or compressor.
Clamping the hose to retain some R134 may damage an expensive part in order to salvage a low-cost item.

Clamping the hoses, new or old will present the risk of damage. Replacing a hose with a rebuilt one may cost more than the lost R134 (plus you have to replace the R134). A full charge of 134 if bought from an auto parts store should be $20-30. If the hose is damaged, you lose the hose and refidgerant, then you have to find or make another hose. High-end is $100 for the shop to measure and fabricate (presuming you do the installation), or wrecking yard ($20?), or a five-fingered discount if there is a known-good donor car.

I recognize trying to save the cash (we're all doing what we can), but if something goes wrong, you could spend more than you planned.

Best wishes on your success!