AC Compressor Leaking - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

emmvette · 07-22-2014

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 · 07-22-2014

when I had to replace my compressor I bought this kit http://www.discountacparts.com/Chevr...~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=- · 07-22-2014

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 · 07-23-2014

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 · 07-23-2014

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

nelson007 · 07-23-2014

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 · 07-23-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 07-23-2014

Good advice.
UV dye works great.

Nelson 007

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

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 · 07-23-2014

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...roducts_id=797

-=Jeff=- · 07-23-2014

Jerry do the compressor you have come with oil already?

07-22-2014	#1
emmvette Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 190	AC Compressor Leaking 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. __________________ [CENTER][SIZE=4][COLOR=red]1990 ZR-1 Red / Red[/COLOR][/SIZE][/CENTER]

07-22-2014	#2
Kevin Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: pittsburgh Posts: 4,632	Re: AC Compressor Leaking when I had to replace my compressor I bought this kit http://www.discountacparts.com/Chevr...~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 __________________ It's not the car, it's the people - Doug Johnson 90 r/r "KEYS ON" nick named "T.L.B"

07-22-2014	#3
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,169	Re: AC Compressor Leaking 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.. __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Flowmaster Cats - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978

07-23-2014	#4
emmvette Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 190	Re: AC Compressor Leaking 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. __________________ [CENTER][SIZE=4][COLOR=red]1990 ZR-1 Red / Red[/COLOR][/SIZE][/CENTER]

07-23-2014	#5
RICHARD TILL Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Iuka, Mississippi 38852 Posts: 756	Re: AC Compressor Leaking Got a service manual and tools? $1700 is a rip off. Kevin`s kit is the deal.

07-23-2014	#6
nelson007 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Westminster, Md. Posts: 436	Re: AC Compressor Leaking 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] __________________ WAZOO MEMBER 1993 #124 Ruby 1994 #??? Red/Black 1995 #061 Black/Red 2012 ZR1 Preproduction

07-23-2014	#9
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,394	Re: AC Compressor Leaking 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...roducts_id=797 __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1*, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed.

07-23-2014	#10
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,169	Re: AC Compressor Leaking Jerry do the compressor you have come with oil already? __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Flowmaster Cats - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978