A/C compressor questions
 

Just noticed that the a/c compressor in my 85 car is leaking at the shaft, throwing oil out on the back of the hood.

Anyone have any experience with upgrading these compressors and is there anything better than the NiponDenso rotary units that were installed in this era?

Have been told that its not worth overhauling them as they do not last, but that was by a mechanic who wanted me to install a new one. Anyone have any experience with a overhauled unit and did it last? Recommendations on where to buy new or overhauled units?

TIA,

Joe

Hi Joe:
I just ordered my new compressor today. I ordered a sanden compressor kit, a new drier and expansion valve. I'm going to use R-12 on the system. I plan to do the installation myself and the a/c tech at the auto hobby shop on base is going to empty the system and refill it for me. The parts were $487.00 and I got 4 cans of R-12 (46oz cans) for $80.00. The shop rate is $3.00 an hour while I'm in there working plus $20.00 for the tech to empty and refill the system. Will let you know how it turns out. When are we skydiving? Att; Jose.

Jose,

Am flying all tomorrow and Wednesday, but will get back to you on the skydiving soon. Need to renew my Brit license... never got around to getting a USPA version! My Cypress is current but need a repack on the reserve. Got your email today but out of the house most of the day.

Just spend almost an hour on the phone today with Dianne of Preformance Aire in CA and she was very helpful. Really gave some good arguments to stick with R-12 and not think of going with R-134 and lots of other stuff I will not go into here.

They also recommend going with the larger evaporator under the car for areas like Arizona and I may go that route.

Before you do all that work, how about switching out the old leaky hoses at the same time? They have a kit with all the hoses for $400 or so with the new barrier hoses and that should last for another 20 years or so, when our cars would be 35 years old...

Good price on the R-12... save some more for us!

More later,

Joe