A/C Question

[Jeff in Ferndale WA]

My air conditioner compresser siezed up many years ago,and since I rarely drive it in hot weather(I work in Alaska in the summer) I have not bothered to replace it.

I have recently thought about fixing it.
I know regulations for refrigerant have changed and the original refrigerant is no longer used.
Can I replace my compressor with a stock compressor and will any other parts need to be changed?
I've seen a couple compressors on Ebay that I think will work,but want to make sure.

Once I get the compressor changed out,I should be able to go to any shop that deals with A/C to get it charged?

 

[LS1GN]

Yeah, they just change the fittings to R134 and put a sticker on.

 

[DoubleV]

Just swapping ober to r134 isn't all that's required. r134 will leak unless you change some other things ( not to mention you need a different kind of oil too ). I would contact a place that deals with AC for details. Done CORRECTLY, it can be a bit pricey at times.

 

[dan2286]

Just swapping ober to r134 isn't all that's required. r134 will leak unless you change some other things ( not to mention you need a different kind of oil too ). I would contact a place that deals with AC for details. Done CORRECTLY, it can be a bit pricey at times.

Not sure about the compressor, but all that really needs changed is all the o rings. Maybe some other cheap components also, not really sure. Make sure there is no refrigerant in the system before you start taking things apart. It really shouldn't be a hard process in a gbody. When you are done, take it to a shop to pull a vacuum on the system to check for leaks. Then they can add the refrigerant and oil.

 

[DoubleV]

Not sure about the compressor, but all that really needs changed is all the o rings.

If you want to do it RIGHT, then add the accumulator, the hoses, and having the whole system evacuated too. If you want to do it on the cheap, you can, but if you want to it all correctly the first time, the price will go up accordingly. If done on the cheap, you increase your chances of having problems, like slow leaks.

 

[dan2286]

Not sure about the compressor, but all that really needs changed is all the o rings.

If you want to do it RIGHT, then add the accumulator, the hoses, and having the whole system evacuated too. If you want to do it on the cheap, you can, but if you want to it all correctly the first time, the price will go up accordingly. If done on the cheap, you increase your chances of having problems, like slow leaks.

Good point

 

[DoubleV]

Dan, did you ever get your heater/AC line routing problem fixed?

 

[jmt455]

Jeff,
I don't think you are required to change to R-134A refrigerant.
My A/C guy still uses R-12 in the systems that originally used R-12, if the customer wants to do it that way.
The refrigerant is more expensive, but you don't have to change everything over to be compatible with R-134A.
Might be worth getting quotes both ways...