R&R for A/C Compressor

[Marccus]

'89 w/ 445K

I need to install a new A/C Compressor w/clutch. My choices per Rock Auto are:


SPECTRA PREMIUM Part # 0657365 {Reman}
w/ Clutch; w/ 10P15F Compressor
$185.99 $00.00 $185.99


FOUR SEASONS Part # 57365
w/ 10P15F Compressor; Reman w/ Clutch
$265.79 $40.00 $305.79

That's a huge difference in price, especially when I don't have to pay the popstage to return the core for the Four Seasons part. Also, my clutch and coil are physically damaged and possibly part of the compressor where the clutch threads onto the compressor (a snap ring tore loose) so I'm not sure if I will even get credit for the core.

Any one have any comments on using the SPECTRA PREMIUM or FOUR SEASONS parts?

I can't seem to find a new compressor anywhere.

Anyone know of any places?

Thanks.

 

[93rev2sev]

I know Four Seasons has been in business for years and years. I'd go with them, just because of this. If you like working on AC, then save some money and get the SPECTRA.

What's $120 at the end of the day, about 2 hours of labor at a garage?

 

[Marccus]

Point well taken.

But I'm out of work and need to save every cent I can.

I have another complication.

Parts train has a NEW 4-Seasons compressor w/clutch for $296.80. But I checked with PartsTrain who checked with the manufacturer 4-seasons and stated it will fit my car. It is NOT a Nippondenso compresssor; it is a 4-SEASONS compressor however and it is described as:

4-SEASONS A/C COMPRESSOR, NEW -- 6-groove, 7/8 in. wide, pin coil, block mounting with O-ring manifold, 4 ear wide tangent - 10 and 10 mm mount, 5 in. pulley diameter; A high quality, direct fit OE replacement A/C compressor; With 4-Seasons' 2-year or 24,000-mile warranty.

I was assured it comes with a clutch assembly even though it doesn't say "with clutch" in the description.

They also have a re-manufactured NIPPONDENSO compresssor for $369.06 and is described as:

4-SEASONS A/C COMPRESSOR, REMANUFACTURED -- 6-groove, 7/8 in. belt width, 1.70 in. gauge line A, pad mount with O-ring manifold, tangent mount, 4-7/8 in. pulley diameter; With clutch; A high quality, direct fit OE replacement A/C compressor; With 4-Seasons' 2-year or 24,000-mile warranty.

It says "4-Seasons", but it is a NIPPONDENSO, as it is labeled 4-Seasons after they rebuild it. The description does state "With clutch"

But notice that the pulley diameter is different. The mounting is different. The image for each is different. The image for the remanufactured compressor looks like the compressor on my car as it should.

The picture of the new 4-seasons compressor shows external bolts that hold the compressor heads together. It also has other differences in how it looks.

I'm not trying to be ****, but I just want to make absolutely sure that both will fit since it has been emphasized to me over and over that the original compressor is a Nippondenso and one must R&R with exactly that brand.

Also it seems that whenever the part 10P15F is used for the compressor or it is re-manfuactured. In other words there are no NEW Nippondenso compresssors available ONLY re-manfuactured.

But .....

Auto Air shows sells a NEW compressor as follows:

Compressor
New 10P15F
SHO Models!
Our Price: $349.99 .... and shipping is free!

Features
Fits: Ford Taurus '95-'89 V6 3.0L Super High Output Eng.
Fits: Mercury Sable '95-'89 V6 3.0L Super High Output Eng.

Technical Specs
Compressor w/ 6 grv. 10P15F. YC173
Pag 46, 8 oz.

Any comments? Which one would you buy?

Thanks.

 

[dwcoffey]

AC Compressor

I've had pretty good luck with a place called Lakeshore Radiator & Specialty Auto Parts Warehouse. The phone number is 1-800-368-3230 or try them online at www.mylsap.com

 

[sperold]

Spectra is the same place that makes radiators and many AC components.
If it is truly a 10P15F Nippondenso, then that is you best choice. I have used Spectra parts and they are a quality company. That would be my choice.
All 89 to 95 SHOs use this model and it has never appeared on a production Sable, but it is possible it showed up on Japanese cars. I would enquire why they don't want the core back if they are a rebuilder, and dealing with a fairly rare model, but then again $40.00 isn't much of an incentive to get a core back either.
Go to the warranty section of Rockauto and you will find that you need to buy a new expansion valve and verify that the system was evacuated (vacuumed down) for the warranty to be of any value on any model you buy. If your old compressor failed internally, you have to get the "junk" out of the system.
So if you want a warranty, you have to be prepared to get it done by a shop that will verify these things.