How to temporary remove the ac compressor, things to know?
 

in my 82 SC, I need to remove the compressor and disconnect the line so I have room for some maintenance ("since I'm there"), also the lines need recharge so better do this before recharging the AC.

do I need to cap the AC lines? anything I need to know before doing it?

Unbolt the AC compressor from the bracket then lift it out and rest it on the rear fender with some padding underneath. The lines should be long enough that they can remain attached to the compressor. This should give you enough room to work.

I mean I guess you could technically remove the entire compressor if you wanted to and replace any o-rings while you're there. to refill the system you're gonna need to pull vacuum anyways. probably no need to cap it if you're doing quick work but you can tape the ends off with blue painters tape just in case.

Cap them or tape them if you are sure to know what oil you have in the system and that this oil is dead clean and in sufficient amount. But then don't forget to also cap or tape both compressor ports so they don't leak the oil contained inside the compressor.
Otherwise you'll need to flush the complete circuit, including the two condensers and the evaporator (except the TXV) and change the dryer. Or maybe you will need to also change the lines themselves if they are original and probably leaking. No need to cap or tape them in this case as you will ditch them.

This ^^^ you should avoid evacuating the freon or r134a in your a/c system into the atmosphere and want to avoid introducing moisture/etc into your a/c system's components. Let it stay intact until you're ready to comprehensively address it.

IIRC from another thread the OP has an empty charge. No more refrigerant in the circuit.

I will third the motion!

Don't disconnect it, just remove the mounting bolts, and lay it out on the fender with a folded up towel or engine cover. That is how the manual says to do a valve adjustment.

If you open the system for very long, you should replace the receiver-dryer up in the front fender, and replace all the o-rings on connections you touch. And pull a long hard vacuum. Water turns to ice with low pressures and it can "hide" in the 27 feet of hoses and multiple components. Lubricate the o-rings with some compressor oil.

And please don't just release the refrigerant to the atmosphere. Find a shop to recover it for you first.

yeah, I definitely hear you to try without disconnecting. will follow the reco

I'm planning a few things on the right side:
- change the old hose/duct that goes to the right heat exchanger
- change oil filter (and oil of course) with has a collar that is hard to put on with all the AC tubes
- change spark plugs while I'm there
- maybe even buy new injectors
will be a nice day :)

What's the best way to cap them? I was thinking of just regular stopper plugs from the hardware store. Is there a better approach?

@jedoyle: Whatever is air tight. When I had to cap my AC lines for servicing my compressor, my lines were all new from Griffiths and I reused the red plugs that they were shipped with.
So you might want to see if Griffiths (Khuel) is selling caps for this purpose.

Sounds strange but I used condoms and duct tape to hold them in place and form a seal around the hose. I keep some on hand for sealing stuff, mainly hoses. Simple, cheap and effective.

I was moving my compressor to a pad on my fender several times during maintinence, ac didnt work, one time the hose snapped in half. They all need to be replaced anyway so i just cut the hose and added lightness to my car. Compressor is stored in a box in garage.