AC Compressor Leaking

[emmvette]

Ok, had no AC. I have never done AC work on a car so have zero knowledge / experience with this. Took it to local dealership, they called back quickly to let me know there are several different leaking connections and valves.....and the compressor leaks. They recommended fixing the easy leaks and leaving the compressor ($1,700+ dealership to install including pulling the plenum). This repair is $500 out the door with R134 charge. My car was previously converted and I can tell based on service records the AC leaking has been a repeating problem - they weren't surprised based on the leaks and believed the old shop didn't do a good job finding the leaks.

I know the dealerships are higher dollar, but I've run out of time to work on my own car this month and I'd like to drive it with the AC. I feel like they are steering me right by recommending they do the simple fixes and see how long it lasts.

Anyway, searching on the forum I see that I can get a complete reman compressor at discountacparts on-line for $400, or a new DENSO for $455.
Is this a job that somebody who knows how to use tools but doesn't have AC experience can do?

Also, when they say the compressor is leaking, does that mean buy a new one, or is there a simple set of O-rings I should be buying? Looking at old receipts, I would guess the compressor is original, or that at least it hasn't been replaced in the last 10 years.

Thoughts? Am I on the right track? Hopefully not being taken advantage of.

[Kevin]

when I had to replace my compressor I bought this kit http://www.discountacparts.com/Chevrolet-Corvette-AC_Kit-60~81498_RN.html and with instal and parts it was $1500 it cost less to put a new central ac unit in my parents house

[-=Jeff=-]

Assuming you have mechanical knowledge and have pulled the plenum before.. it is not too bad.. since there is nothing inside the system it is easy to pull apart and reassemble.

Afterwards, you will need to pull vacuum and then charge..

[emmvette]

I have mechanical knowledge, just not experience and not afraid to learn. Haven't pulled the plenum before - but I have to learn some time - I'm not afraid to do that.
I didn't grow up with somebody to teach me how to work on cars, so I learn as I go.

[RICHARD TILL]

Got a service manual and tools? $1700 is a rip off. Kevin`s kit is the deal.

[nelson007]

Hello Steve,
Were going to be doing Jim's car this Friday. Just bought a new vacuum pump and already have the gauges and R12. I bought a new compressor last year on Ebay for $300. Will give you an update this weekend. If you would like to borrow the pump and gauges I would be happy to send them up to you.

Nelson007


QUOTE=emmvette;208006]Ok, had no AC. I have never done AC work on a car so have zero knowledge / experience with this. Took it to local dealership, they called back quickly to let me know there are several different leaking connections and valves.....and the compressor leaks. They recommended fie e




asy leaks and leaving the compressor ($1,700+ dealership to install including pulling the plenum). This repair is $500 out the door with R134 charge. My car was previously converted and I can tell based on service records the AC leaking has been a repeating problem - they weren't surprised based on the leaks and believed the old shop didn't do a good job finding the leaks.

I know the dealerships are higher dollar, but I've run out of time to work on my own car this month and I'd like to drive it with the AC. I feel like they are steering me right by recommending they do the simple fixes and see how long it lasts.

Anyway, searching on the forum I see that I can get a complete reman compressor at discountacparts on-line for $400, or a new DENSO for $455.
Is this a job that somebody who knows how to use tools but doesn't have AC experience can do?

Also, when they say the compressor is leaking, does that mean buy a new one, or is there a simple set of O-rings I should be buying? Looking at old receipts, I would guess the compressor is original, or that at least it hasn't been replaced in the last 10 years.

Thoughts? Am I on the right track? Hopefully not being taken advantage of.[/QUOTE]

[GOLDCYLON]

Ok, had no AC. I have never done AC work on a car so have zero knowledge / experience with this. Took it to local dealership, they called back quickly to let me know there are several different leaking connections and valves.....and the compressor leaks. They recommended fixing the easy leaks and leaving the compressor ($1,700+ dealership to install including pulling the plenum). This repair is $500 out the door with R134 charge. My car was previously converted and I can tell based on service records the AC leaking has been a repeating problem - they weren't surprised based on the leaks and believed the old shop didn't do a good job finding the leaks.

I know the dealerships are higher dollar, but I've run out of time to work on my own car this month and I'd like to drive it with the AC. I feel like they are steering me right by recommending they do the simple fixes and see how long it lasts.

Anyway, searching on the forum I see that I can get a complete reman compressor at discountacparts on-line for $400, or a new DENSO for $455.
Is this a job that somebody who knows how to use tools but doesn't have AC experience can do?

Also, when they say the compressor is leaking, does that mean buy a new one, or is there a simple set of O-rings I should be buying? Looking at old receipts, I would guess the compressor is original, or that at least it hasn't been replaced in the last 10 years.

Thoughts? Am I on the right track? Hopefully not being taken advantage of.

Yeah I have some thoughts.

Clean all oil grease and residue form all the AC connections, Hoses, Sensors, lines and what ever you can from the compressor. Drop in a can of leak detector, there is a new style with Ultra Violet dye in it. Buy one of those UV led flashlights and look for leaks. Then you will have a plan of attack. Without knowing you are just replacing parts. It could be as simple as an o ring on the compressor however you dont know until you look for the leaks yourself.

[nelson007]

Good advice.
UV dye works great.

Nelson 007

Yeah I have some thoughts.

Clean all oil grease and residue form all the AC connections, Hoses, Sensors, lines and what ever you can from the compressor. Drop in a can of leak detector, there is a new style with Ultra Violet dye in it. Buy one of those UV led flashlights and look for leaks. Then you will have a plan of attack. Without knowing you are just replacing parts. It could be as simple as an o ring on the compressor however you dont know until you look for the leaks yourself.

[A26B]

If you do have a leaking compressor & decide against kitting it yourself.....

We have NOS R134 compressors in stock. You have to use your own clutch, which is no big deal, save $130 over the new Denso with new clutch.

Just wanted you to know there is another option.

http://jerrysgaskets.com/store2/root/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=797

[-=Jeff=-]

Jerry do the compressor you have come with oil already?

[A26B]

Jerry do the compressor you have come with oil already?

I don't know Jeff. They are sealed, so it's however it was prepared for GM-ACDelco. You could probably tell when the sealed, cover plate is removed for installation.

[-=Jeff=-]

Thanks Jerry