A/C compressor...std vs rotary; replace or repair
 

I'm at a point where I need to buy a new or remanufactured compressor, or fix it. I believe mine is a Nippondenso which appears to be leaking through the front seal behind the clutch. I recently fixed a separate leak through the compressor top manifold which has 4 o-rings underneath (at least one was eaten away). I read where the compressor seals can be replaced without a lot trouble and I'm game. Then again, I see some rebuilt units for a little over a couple of hundred dollars. There are also new 'rotary' units for yet a higher price. I feel I can go any of the three ways but want to make the best choice. Are the rotarys substancially superior? Is replacing the seals best left to the remanufactures? I plan to keep the S2 permanently. What can you advise?

I bought a rotary from Vertex for $300 and some change. I think they have since raised the price to $400.
It has been very good to me.
I would advise throwing one of these on along with some R134 and never worrying about it again =))
Alot better for the environment should you ever spring a leak. A whole lot cheaper to "top off" when necessary also.

Concur,

The rotaries are 134 friendly, run a lot more efficiently, and don't "bog" the motor as much

AFJuvat

This winter I am going to fix my system rather than replace the compressor. The front seal is only about $20. I'm going to take the gamble rather than plunking out $400 or whatever for the new compressor. I can always do the latter if this does not work. Will replace the o-rings too.

Will let you all know how it turns out.

Lawrence,
The actual gamble is really not the $20 seal, it's the $200 recharge of R-12 that may blow out into the atmosphere a week down the road!!

You may be able to get a deal, but that is about the cost of a recharge around here! If you got a slow leak.........it's all gone.

951Carter,

I don't use R12. I've used Duracool for 7 years in one of my MB's and for 5 years in the 944. A charge only costs me $12.

How well does the duracool work?

AFJuvat

Two summers ago while heading to Roebling Road on I-95, it was 99 F outside. The temperature of air coming out of my dash slot was 43 F at the end of a cycle. I measured these with a little digital thermometer. My 23 year old MB does not do as well but is adequate. I think the compressor in it is short for this world. The whole car may be short for this world! It is original everything except one hose and receiver/dryer. Nice looking car though.

I have had good success with Duracool. It is flammable because it is about 60% propane. BTW, propane has a higher latent heat than R12 has. The fact that it is flammable scares a lot of people out of using it. You use about 40% as much by weight.

I read somewhere that a national auto parts chain carried the seals. I called one of them and it appears there is not a 'seal kit' for the compressor, but rather its just an assortment of standard seals that need to be purchased ala carte. Does anyone know differently? On the refrigerant, luckily mine was converted to the R134 by the PO. The comments on the rotary sound encouraging so that's not out of the question. I think I'll take a close look at the compressor then decide. Thanks for all the help guys.

don't use R12. I've used Duracool for 7 years in one of my MB's and for 5 years in the 944. A charge only costs me $12.
snip

Heck yeah! That's cheap.

I guess i wasn't even thinking about the fact that you can run
R-134 in the original condenser also =))