A/C compressor - overhaul or replacement?

[ratatouille]

I've attempted to recharge my r-12 A/C (4WD, dual A/C) that stopped working. A/C worked great only for about an hour after the successful charge. Thinking I didnt fully charge I did it again and same thing happened. So leak was suspected and upon further digging I've found a slight hissing and gurgling sound at the compressor. I'm wondering what all you recommend next step to take? I'm looking at complete compressors online, I may be able to get a discounted one through toyota, and also I see gasket overhaul kits. Through the searching on the forums, I think I conclude, either route the entire A/C system will need servicing to not foul the new or refurb compressor ? OR could it be as easy as taking off old one and bolting on new/refurb and re...recharging ? Thanks for input!

[trestlehed]

I had my ac system repaired and converted to R134 in early 2014. Worked great for a year, then not.
I'm over it. I'm thinking about yanking all the ac parts out to reduce van weight like other members have done.
Note: My van is not my daily driver so I can live without the ac.

[ratatouille]

I had my ac system repaired and converted to R134 in early 2014. Worked great for a year, then not.
I'm over it. I'm thinking about yanking all the ac parts out to reduce van weight like other members have done.
Note: My van is not my daily driver so I can live without the ac.


Ya that really is tempting to do. I think ill eventually get to that. Hard to beat a fresh r12 charged system though. This week i'm driving from CA to UT and have to pass through 112 Vegas heat..:no::pissed:

[boogieman]

i always feel bad 'hurting' the engine making it work even harder when its hot out...espsecially in an older classic...for where i live im considering rigging up a misting system..simple manual pump pot style, should take the edge off at least...

[ratatouille]

Ya for time being id like to get it back functioning. I'm torn on what to do...

I see part # 88320-0101-84 for the compressor. That correct ? I'm guessing here but since the clutch engages while it holds the charge I won't need that. I'll just need to remove and replace with new compressor or fix leaky gaskets. Anyone overhaul a compressor before?

[Burntboot]

A soap test might help to see where your leak is but the proper way would be to use a sniffer and find out for sure.
And by using a sniffer you can check the whole system to avoid surprises later on, like needing an evaporator, condenser.....
Any time you open the system, you're supposed to replace the receiver drier, some will say to do the exp valve same time but thats a judgement call.
Any warranty on a new/rebuilt compressor is void if the rec'r/drier has not been replaced.
Before you replace anything, the system should be sucked dry.

If its the front compressor seal leaking, 9x out of 10, the front bearing will be bad too or the shaft will have damage, or both.
Reseals aren't known for long life spans and more of a "prep for sale" type of repair, where lifespan is of little concern.

Given its age (and if the rest of the system is serviceable) I would go with a complete compressor (incl the clutch), especially since it was already converted to R134
Compressor failure after conversion isn't uncommon and thats why a lot of shops will require a new compressor when converting.

R134 is a smaller molecule than R12 and is not as efficient in transferring heat.
The smaller size seems to exacerbate leaks and many systems that held with R12, had leaks with R134.
You may want to look into Redtek or similar products and make that decision for yourself, theres a couple of threads about it.
Being a propane based refrigerant it has a larger molecular size than R12 and is very efficient, but there is a certain stigma attached.

[oldvanguy]

in burnboot's reply to an old post about converting A/C to R-134 it mentioned that the compressor should be removed and drained of oil as it was incompatible w/ the R-12 oil. two years ago in September i had my van converted to 134 and i don't think the tech did the compressor oil drain. i don't use the rig all that much but did exercise the A/C when i did. by the next summer it wasn't cooling anymore. recently the compressor (a replacement unit from a NW U.S. a salvage yard from 12 years ago) was making a little more noise than usual. contemplating a camping trip out west next month, i decided to have the A/C serviced this coming week (vacuum test, recharge w/134 and oil and leak-check dye). my questions: did i possibly damage the compressor by not having had the R-12 oil drained from it? am i wasting my money on the A/C servicing? would the best option be to buy a remanufactured compressor? thanks for any and all responses.

[ratatouille]

A soap test might help..... especially since it was already converted to R134.


Thanks Burnt. Finally back in town and its time to get this figured out. I used a sniffer I found at a friends shop and seems only location of leak is compressor pulley. I never made the conversion to r134. Still the original R12 and trying to keep it that way. Luckily recently Tim has posted some info about buying a compressor & clutch just as you have recommended as well . http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?3483-Charging-Air-Conditioning-System

[MyToy]

AC rework continues. When rebuilding my LE I replaced I had the compressor replaced. Now I am on my third one where they leak through the case. I told the guy to get another brand but he seems to be stuck here. now he tells me they are not the right fit, like off by a few hundred thousandths

Does anyone know of a compressor that works for an 86 LE?

MT

[Burntboot]

MT - Don't know what to say, all that just sucks.

When you say leaking thru the case, are we talking at the back of the unit or the front.
-I haven't opened a Denso compressor so don't know how they achieve a seal at the rear, the old AC Delco's (GM/Jag) just used a big O-ring.
Are we talking rebuilt or new compressors, Denso, 4-Season's or something else?
Are they at least warrantying all these compressors?

No idea what he means by "off by a few hundred thousandths", like are we talking mounting holes, belt alignment ????
I trolled thru RockAuto but 85,86 and 88 all call for the same compressor.

I normally consider parts failure to be an extremely rare event, especially when new and if I have to replace the same part twice, unless I can find an obvious fault within that replacement part, I start looking for what (would or could) cause it to fail.

Doesn't make sense that 3 in a row are bad and if they really are experiencing that kind of failure rate it doesn't say much for the brand or why your shop would continue to install them.
Generally speaking, unhappy customers are bad for business.