Well, I could have paid someone to do this for me, but I figured I'd better DIY so I could share pics and info for anyone wanting to do this. (the things I do for you)

So here's a short writeup with pics.

1- remove the battery and tray
2- remove the main belt from the engine by loosening the tensioner.
3- disconnect the main A/C electrical harness and 2 coolant lines
4- go under the car and remove the ground wire bolt and harness
5- (optional) remove the oil filter (you'll thank me later when you go to remove the lower bolt)
6- remove the 3 bolts that hold the compressor in. I prefer to do it from the top front, then top back, then bottom.
7- slide the A/C compressor forward and rotate it for best maneuverability while pulling it out the top of the engine bay.

*Note- there is a small "z" bracket on the ground cable bolt that connects it to the compressor. Make sure you re-install it.

Reverse the directions for re-installation.

 

 

This is for an SC400, but hopefully the 300 will not differ much, or any.

 

Nice writeup, but please dont tell me I see a Fram oil filter in there? For shame OLT, for shame haha

 

Yup I did this on my hooptie. It's just used for testing nowadays. It logged 45 miles in the last 5 months I drive my sandstone one as a daily.

 

wats wrong with fram?

 

looks like u missed the part of evac the system.

 

Nothing had to be done other than what I posted.

 

So you just charged it up with some r134a and it's been good as new since?

On my SC3 I can't pressurize the a/c system as much as it should be since by doing that the a/c compressor just engages and then disengages every 10-20sec.

The other thing I've noticed is after a drive at a high rpm for 1-2 min (5000+) or a drive at 85 for awhile I'll smell a burning inside my engine, already replaced the waterpump so I think the compressor clutch/compressor itself has to do with that. What caused you to replace yours, just loss of r134a?

 

Whats the seceret to getting to the rear upper bolt? My cars been apart for ever because I can't get the AC compressor off to change the water pump.

I boght a 14mm (built-in) universal socket, but have not had time to use it. I can't seem to get a socket up there. Are you accessing from the top or bottom?

 

Do you have a 400 or 300, because on the 300 you don't have to take off the a/c compressor to get to the waterpump.

 

No way dude. I can't stand 134. Doesn't blow cold enough. I use only good old ice cold r12 freon. $65 a pound and worth every dime. I just had all 5 cars charged up with 3 lbs per car...... guess what that cost.

My local Maxi muffler charges r12 systems

 

This should be good avice on both the 300 and 400. If you have a 4 inch extension it will get in there, but not bump the frame on the ratchet end.

 

OLT - if you get an under-engine pan your whole engine bay will stay much cleaner - IMHO.

 

Doesn't look much like the 300. Good thing you didn't get it from me.