Hey guys,

the a/c compressor on my s13 just went. took it to my mechanic and he said the compressor locked up. quote was 800 to fix.

what would the price of parts be to do this myself? the mechanic said something about replacing other parts too, like evaporator valve?, etc. im not sure about those other parts.

also, would my wrenching experience allow me to do this in a driveway. for example, ive replaced a radiator myself, can do basic maintenance, injectors, etc.

thanks (also if any of you guys have a working compressor for sale, let me know)

 

Dual cam or single cam would help. A/C compressor is about the same as anything else, you just have to have the system drained professionally so there is no release of freon into the atmosphere. Then its a matter of disconnecting lines, replacing the compressor, putting everything back together. After that you'll need to get a set of A/C gauges (harbor freight), and a vacuum kit, jump the drier switch, pull a vacuum in the system, and recharge it.

 

R-12 or 134A? thought only single cam cars are R-12?

i have a 89 KA24"E" A/C compressor. worked when i took it out of the car 10 years ago . it yours for $25

 

800 is probably to include updating the system, that's why he mentioned a bunch of other parts.

simply swapping the compressor out is just like kendal said.

rather easily done, with the right tools.

 

be careful when compressors lock up.. they usually send metal contaminants through the system.
At that point a majority of the system is in need of replacement.
metal lines can usually be flushed out, rubber lines may get shards imbedded in them and once the system is opperational again they dislodge under pressure and clog the system, especially expansion valves. so its usally a good practice to replace the rubber lines.


this is probably where a majority of the expense is .
Whenever I have a compressor lock up in my shop, compressor , condenser , rubber lines , evaporator, drier and expansion valve are replaced. The system can also be inspected to verify how far if at all the system is contaminated.

The compressor itself isnt a hard job , having the proper tools for the evac, vac and recharge is where youll fall short.

 

oh .......retro-fit r-12/134a kits. something to do with the lube and O-rings i think .