A/C Components Replacement Question

[JRA2000TL]

Been doing some reading and wondered if this a fix I should attempt myself when the time arises. Knock on wood, both a/c's work in my SHOs, but the 89's compressor is noisy, which has me concerned that it may be on its way out soon. To totally redo the system with a compressor, liquid line, oriface tube, and accumulator/receiver/dryer, it's about $1200. I know this b/c that's what my brother spent to have his done at a shop.

I also watched a video that suggested you flush each and every component in the system, including the evap core, all lines, etc. with a special flush and machine that ensures the cleaner will evaporate and remove moisture from the system.

Whatever happened to just vacuuming the system down with a Harbor Freight pump, disconnecting the compressor, lines, and replacing only those components mentioned above, then doing another vacuum, followed by a charge?

I know to warranty a compressor you have to replace the other parts, but it's it absolutely necessary to spend a grand to fix the a/c still or can you do some of this yourself to alleviate the damage of the costs?

 

[whiteguy3]

As long as your compressor is in good working order, you will be fine replacing the evaporator core, condensor, low pressure side switch and liquid (orifice) line. Then pull a vacumm and fill!

 

[JRA2000TL]

Yeah but what if the compressor seizes, takes a crap, or is a victim of black death?

 

[SHO1]

You sure the the noise is comp and not the clutch and/or pulley? FWIW, I had a comp go bad on my '89 shortly before '08 convention, I swapped with a known good used one, didn't change anything else, vac'd it down for about :45 to an hour, recharged and it has worked great since.

 

[whiteguy3]

If the internal seals go bad and send all that tar through your system it is best to have most of it replaced and flushed. That is not one of the common issues with our systems though. The most common issues are a bad clutch, incorrect clutch gap and a failed low pressure side switch.

Usually the common repair for a compressor is a new clutch and coil while reusing the housing and the pulley.

 

[SHOtimer]

...it has always been my understanding that the compressor, orifice valve, and accumulator were the only pieces that needed to be swapped when servicing the system. The only time the condenser or evap need to be changed is if they are leaking/damaged.

It is easy to work on AC yourself, just get the quick disconnect tools and it is a breeze. No reason to drop $1k. I'd say sub $500.00.

Doug

 

[jelloslug]

I have replaced the compressor on mine before and I did nothing more than a vacuum and fill her up and it worked great.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You sure the the noise is comp and not the clutch and/or pulley?.

This.

If the A/C is otherwise working properly, noise is most likely pulley bearings. A full clutch kit should be around $100 and can be changed without breaching the system.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Thanks guys. Mine may be the clutch bearings. It rattles everytime the compressor is engaged, but I get 40 degrees out of the center vents. I just remember our old SLOs having failed compressors all the time, but maybe the FS-10s were just prone to failures whereas our 10P15Fs have clutch issues moreso than internal failures.

I'll add this to my infinite list of parts I need as $ permits.

 

[whiteguy3]

When my first a/c clutch went out on mine, I went to the jy and got a clutch and coil from another SHO. Installed it and it held for over 2 years. I replaced the clutch and coil again this summer with new one's. Works like a champ. Only every replaced the low pressure side switch and condensor due to a crack in it.

 

[shoon]

Just did my AC, replaced the:
-receiver drier (which is part of the discharge line) $120
-liquid line w/ orfice tube ~$30
-condenser $80
-evacuate & charge R134a $220

Got everything from rockauto, don't forget to **** the o-rings when assembling.

All in all, just under $500. Do everything yourself.. the liquid line is a bastard to replace as you have to either dismantle the engine (pull intake?) or squeeze your girly arm between the engine and firewall to disconnect / reconnect it to the evaporator core.

 

[lowc]

Got everything from rockauto, don't forget to **** the o-rings when assembling.

.

and use pag oil on those orings

 

[sperold]

Like everything else you do on a SHO, you are better off doing your AC fixes yourself, especially when you have this forum as a reference.
I looked over the requirements you needed to have a Compressor warranty (and it is only for 1 or 2 years depending on the manufacturer) and it didn't seem to be worth it.
There is plenty of information on this forum for keeping the AC system working, just be prepared to do a lot of searching and posting.