Seized A/C Compressor

threesticks · 09-26-2003, 05:31 AM

While driving home last week the AC was blowing cold and I noticed that the car seemed to be dragging, kind of like the brakes were dragging slightly. Then at the same time I felt the car surge forward slightly and the A/C began to blow hot air.

I got home and while the car was idling I looked under the hood and had the wife engage the A/C. Once she did I saw the compressor clutch draw in and the engine stalled. The wife restarted and we performed the operation again with the same results.

So I need a new compressor and the question is what are my alternatives and what are the costs?

Thanks for your help

Lawrence Coppari · 06:53 AM

This summer I replaced the leaking Nippondenso with a Sanden conversion. The entire thing cost me about 430 dollars including the new receiver/dryer. I tried to fix the Nippon but was unsuccessful. The Sanden is a rotary compressor and is a new one.

I do not use standard refrigerants so my charge only costs about 15 bucks. I also replaced the compressor on my 23 year old MB this summer. Both are working very well. I have used alternate refrigerants for about 7 years.

By the way, many people shy away from alternate refrigerants because they are flammable. What people do not know is that 134a is also flammable. That's what DuPont says on the MSDS sheet.

Lawrence Coppari · 09-26-2003, 06:53 AM

Also, since your compressor locked up, you had better purge your system to make sure there are no loose pieces that could get into the new compressor and ruin it.

threesticks · 09-26-2003, 08:08 AM

Thanks Lawrence. I plan to replace the compressor, receiver drier and the expansion valve after I flush the entire system.

Who has replaced the expansion valve and what steps did you follow?

Hey Lawrence, what kind of alternative refrigerant do you use? I have tried Freeze 12 with good results in a few 911s.

Thanks

Lawrence Coppari · 09-26-2003, 09:44 AM

I have used Duracool for 7 years. I did not replace the expansion valve in either system. I backflushed the system, however.

Walker944 · 09-26-2003, 09:16 PM

Sticks,

Here's a link to a thread you'll want to read from a few years ago. I wrote up the process I went through to replace the compressor, convert to 134a, replace expansion valve, etc. Hope it's helpful.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=10679&highlight=compressor

Mike

Walker944 · 09-26-2003, 09:23 PM

Lawrence,

Regarding the alternative refrigerants you use...I recall you talking about then some time ago too. Seems like there was quite a discussion on this board regarding them. Very interesting topic. I'll have to search past threads and refresh my memory.

In the meantime...a couple of questions... where do you purchase alternative refridgerants? Do the containers they come in fit the 134a or r12 connectors?

Mike

Cebu · 09-27-2003, 07:53 AM

Accessing the A/C expansion valve..beneath the plastic cover under the hood at the rear of the engine compartment, and located in the area below the right windshield wiper. the wiper arms must be removed. wrapped with insulating putty.

Lawrence Coppari · 04:17 AM

Walker944,
Some people get all fired up over refrigerants - it's almost as bad as talking about motor oils or the torque versus power thing.

I buy it by the case which is 12 cans, each containing 6 ounces. You only use 35-40% by weight of the amount of R12 you would need. The refrigerant is compatible with the standard R12 oil which is a mineral oil. The cans look like the old R12 cans. They have a threaded puncture nozzle at the top as well as the circular ridge wher the old style clamps would fit. It also comes in much larger containers. The connectors are the same as the old R12 connectors. Can't speak to the R134 connectors because I have never had to work on one of those systems yet.

The website is www.duracool.com. You can buy it from Fox Tool and Supply in Madison, TN. Phone is 615-865-6251