MALIBU Time is 💰

[Dezimade]

Hey guys. Simple question. How long would it take to bolt up and wire a compressor in a 79 Malibu? Thanks Dez

 

[383_StealthRam]

Well....not really a simple question at all, but making the following ASSUMPTIONS and understand this based on my experience and opinion, it is not based on any particular labor time guides that may different.

1 - System is empty, so there is no need to recover any existing refrigerant.
2 - System is not going to be evacuated, charged, checked for leaks or functionality following replacement.

You are asking what is the "time needed" to R & R the A/C Compressor, so in your case (based on other information you've posted in other threads) where it's likely using a V belt system, that would need to be removed/replaced as well. So let's look at it in a step by step procedure.

1 - If other belt(s) have to come off first anywhere from .5 to 1.0 hours of labor.

2 - Difficulty, and location of the compressor which again in your case is very easy to get at, to simply remove old, replace it with new including removing and replacing factory oil, transfer switch from old to new, and install new seals properly at least 1.0 hour maybe a tad more.

3 - The "wire a compressor" question, again based on prior threads we've already had would be just to cut and replace the existing wires that are currently silicone sealed into the switch on the back of your compressor. This involves some splicing/crimping/solder/heat shrink etc..to replace the missing connector. Keep in mind, the silicone that is smooshed into that switch would need to be removed, and cleaned which could damage it or it should be replaced with NEW switch imho. This would be in the neighborhood of .5 to 1.0 hour labor.

So you're likely looking at 2.5 to 3.0 hours of labor for these R & R steps, and a couple of wires to splice.

If you're handy with basic tools, and some wire crimpers, heat shrink connectors, etc. no reason you can do the R & R and wiring steps yourself maybe save yourself $200-$300 in labor depending on shop's rates. Then let the experts who presumably have the proper equipment do the evacuation, recharge, leak and functional testing. Pay them for that service work so you will leave with a functional, leak free system.

 

[Dezimade]

Well....not really a simple question at all, but making the following ASSUMPTIONS and understand this based on my experience and opinion, it is not based on any particular labor time guides that may different.

1 - System is empty, so there is no need to recover any existing refrigerant.
2 - System is not going to be evacuated, charged, checked for leaks or functionality following replacement.

You are asking what is the "time needed" to R & R the A/C Compressor, so in your case (based on other information you've posted in other threads) where it's likely using a V belt system, that would need to be removed/replaced as well. So let's look at it in a step by step procedure.

1 - If other belt(s) have to come off first anywhere from .5 to 1.0 hours of labor.

2 - Difficulty, and location of the compressor which again in your case is very easy to get at, to simply remove old, replace it with new including removing and replacing factory oil, transfer switch from old to new, and install new seals properly at least 1.0 hour maybe a tad more.

3 - The "wire a compressor" question, again based on prior threads we've already had would be just to cut and replace the existing wires that are currently silicone sealed into the switch on the back of your compressor. This involves some splicing/crimping/solder/heat shrink etc..to replace the missing connector. Keep in mind, the silicone that is smooshed into that switch would need to be removed, and cleaned which could damage it or it should be replaced with NEW switch imho. This would be in the neighborhood of .5 to 1.0 hour labor.

So you're likely looking at 2.5 to 3.0 hours of labor for these R & R steps, and a couple of wires to splice.

If you're handy with basic tools, and some wire crimpers, heat shrink connectors, etc. no reason you can do the R & R and wiring steps yourself maybe save yourself $200-$300 in labor depending on shop's rates. Then let the experts who presumably have the proper equipment do the evacuation, recharge, leak and functional testing. Pay them for that service work so you will leave with a functional, leak free system.

This is all great information. Had someone put in the compressor for me. I blew a seal. No education on this conversion.
Hit me $high$. Learning is good. Thanks. For the words Dez.