Air conditioning compressor
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Air conditioning compressor My AC stopped putting out cold air the other day, and the shop told me that my orifice was clogged and showed me metal goop with particles in it coming from the tube. They said that my compressor was dying and spewing its guts throughout the system. I've started researching new air compressors on eBay, and I'm finding stuff as low as $150ish (Ready-Aire brand), up to $450+. What brand can I count on that won't run my wallet empty? Also, do I need a compressor + clutch, or just the compressor? Do I need to replace anything else while I am at it?
My AC stopped putting out cold air the other day, and the shop told me that my orifice was clogged and showed me metal goop with particles in it coming from the tube. They said that my compressor was dying and spewing its guts throughout the system. I've started researching new air compressors on eBay, and I'm finding stuff as low as $150ish (Ready-Aire brand), up to $450+. What brand can I count on that won't run my wallet empty? Also, do I need a compressor + clutch, or just the compressor? Do I need to replace anything else while I am at it?
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Yep, orifice will get fucked up with a compressor failure. EVERY f-body I have worked on clogs an orifice at some point after a compressor failure. I'd buy an accumulator/dryer canister to go with the new compressor. They are about $75 new.
If you buy any new compressor they will typically require you buy a new Accum/Dryer, O-tube and proof you flushed the system to maintain the manufactures warranty. The "Factory Air" brand I talked about earlier has an unlimited full replacement 2 year warranty which is pretty good for an aftermarket brand. As to the Conendser, since you have metal particles in there I would HIGHLY recc replacing that as well as getting that junk out is next to impossible - even with a professional flush. If that crap get's pulled into your new compressor then you'll be replacing it again soon. Typically, the evaporator can be cleaned better than the condenser so you should be ok there.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
People get pretty **** about ac replacements. I don't. I have seen compressors swapped, work for a while, then clog the orifice as the shrapnel accumulates. You can simply replace it then and charge the system back up and keep rolling. I have seen systems without the dryer replaced or the system vacuumed down work fine for long periods of time. Warranty? Thats for girls 
People get pretty **** about ac replacements. I don't. I have seen compressors swapped, work for a while, then clog the orifice as the shrapnel accumulates. You can simply replace it then and charge the system back up and keep rolling. I have seen systems without the dryer replaced or the system vacuumed down work fine for long periods of time. Warranty? Thats for girls
Dryer is a must and so is the orifice tube. A new compressor beats the hell out of a reman.
As far as flushes go, I do what people pay me for. It will work either way, just depends on how well/long.
I recommend the best home flush I can do. A shop flush would be better, maybe. But, look at the cost.
I just started doing home status flushes. They seem pretty good to me, not perfect but damn decent.
No returns so far out of 3.
As far as flushes go, I do what people pay me for. It will work either way, just depends on how well/long.
I recommend the best home flush I can do. A shop flush would be better, maybe. But, look at the cost.
I just started doing home status flushes. They seem pretty good to me, not perfect but damn decent.
No returns so far out of 3.
