Busted Compressor

[AlexNorton74]

The AC in my expy hasn't worked for a while now. Managed to get all through last summer without it but now I have the money to get it fixed. Started by refilling it with r134a and noticed a leak under the car. Got under there to inspect it and sure enough the compressor is completely demolished. Somehow something managed to hit it hard enough to take a huge chunk out of the side. Hopefully this is the only issue and replacing it will fix it. My question is, how hard is it to replace? Thanks in advance!

 

[AlexNorton74]

Here is a picture of the compressor

 

[stamp11127]

That looks a recent explosion since the insides & casting edges are clean compared to other nearby components. There is probably a blockage in the orifice tube that allowed the high side pressure to exceed the design limit. The safety was supposed to lift but didn't, next weakest link in the chain did.
I've seen the high side hit 425 psi and was still climbing while I was scrambling to pull the gauges off. Old farts can move fast at times.....

 

[AlexNorton74]

That looks a recent explosion since the insides & casting edges are clean compared to other nearby components. There is probably a blockage in the orifice tube that allowed the high side pressure to exceed the design limit. The safety was supposed to lift but didn't, next weakest link in the chain did.
I've seen the high side hit 425 psi and was still climbing while I was scrambling to pull the gauges off. Old farts can move fast at times.....

So should I be good as long as I replace the compressor or will it need other parts also?

 

[stamp11127]

Inspect the orifice tube, that will give you an indication if there is trash in the rest of the system. Post a pic when you have it out. Once you know the systems condition you can generate a parts list.

 

[AlexNorton74]

Do you have any recommendations for a new compressor? I see some that have rear air and some that say without rear air. I really can't afford to take it to a shop because I know they will charge a ridiculous amount so diy is really my only option

 

[stamp11127]

Check the vendors on this site. What ac tools do you have?

 

[AlexNorton74]

Check the vendors on this site. What ac tools do you have?

I have a gauge to check low pressure side and to fill with refrigerant but that's it

 

[stamp11127]

The minimum you are going to need is a vacuum pump, gauge set, flush kit, compressor & clutch, receiver drier and pag oil.

 

[fuzzmanmatt]

I picked up a whole kit with receiver dryer, expansion valves, and orings on Rock Auto for just over $200, same brand as my local Auto Value. I've got a guy who will do the install for me, since I don't have access to any AC tools. I'm curious how much work it is myself, because if I can pay somebody to just evacuate and recharge I'll probably be way ahead, dollar wise.

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[AlexNorton74]

I picked up a whole kit with receiver dryer, expansion valves, and orings on Rock Auto for just over $200, same brand as my local Auto Value. I've got a guy who will do the install for me, since I don't have access to any AC tools. I'm curious how much work it is myself, because if I can pay somebody to just evacuate and recharge I'll probably be way ahead, dollar wise.

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Think you can link me the kit you bought? I may go that route and just buy the whole kit and put it in then have a mechanic recharge the system. Thanks

 

[fuzzmanmatt]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/gpd,9633344,a/c+compressor+&+component+kit,17507

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[AlexNorton74]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/gpd,9633344,a/c+compressor+&+component+kit,17507

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Will this fit for a 2nd gen? Specifically an 03? I'm debating on buying this and trying to install myself then have a mechanic pull the vacuum and recharge it

 

[Big Brian]

look up your vehicle on the Rock Auto website it will tell you

 

[fuzzmanmatt]

Ha! Yeah, it's seriously the easiest website to find parts on. Just type in the year make model and it'll take you right to the parts for your car. You really don't need an ASE certified parts specialist to do it for you anymore. It's why I sell construction equipment parts now.

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[AlexNorton74]

Found a kit with everything I need for right at $200. Should I attempt to install myself and then take it to a mechanic? I'm curious as to how much a mechanic would charge to do the install though. I'm trying to get this finished before the end of the month because of a long trip I have so the quicker the better. Thanks

 

[rjdelp7]

I had a local shop replace my compressor(with 1 year warranty). They said my condenser had a slow leak, replaced evaporator/dryer and a high pressure line and about 2lbs(they recycled, the other 2lbs) of R-134a and oil, cost $920. They marked up the price of the parts and claimed 5.2 hours labor. If you do it yourself and screw it up, you will pay a lot more!

 

[stamp11127]

R-22?

You can figure any ac work that requires component replacement will start at $1000 and go up.

 

[rjdelp7]

R-22?

Yes, correction. R134a

 

[stamp11127]

I was wondering if that was correct what pressures you had and how well it worked.