A/C Compressor seized
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 2
From: Pullman WA
A/C Compressor seized
Hey guys,
My A/C compressor seized up in my '73. I took it to a shop for an estimate to fix it all up and they wanted about $1600, as they not only wanted to replace the compressor but all A/C related parts such as the condenser and hoses. It was blowing nice and cold before, and I see no reason to replace the other parts if just the compressor seized up.
Here in Washington (and most other states I think), you have to have to be certified to deal with the refrigerant. Could I just order a new A/C compressor, unhook the old hoses, put the new one in place and hook everything back up? Would it be that easy?
Suggestions?
-Joe
My A/C compressor seized up in my '73. I took it to a shop for an estimate to fix it all up and they wanted about $1600, as they not only wanted to replace the compressor but all A/C related parts such as the condenser and hoses. It was blowing nice and cold before, and I see no reason to replace the other parts if just the compressor seized up.
Here in Washington (and most other states I think), you have to have to be certified to deal with the refrigerant. Could I just order a new A/C compressor, unhook the old hoses, put the new one in place and hook everything back up? Would it be that easy?
Suggestions?
-Joe
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
No, you have to evacuate the refrigerent from the system first. Don't just unhook a line, the escaping refrigerent can blind you if it hits your eyes. Best to have an A/C guy do it, he can save your refrigerent and use it again to recharge it. But don't take it to that joker, you can buy a brand new A6 compressor for around $300 assuming that's what you have. Have someone evacuate the system, change the compressor and take it back to have it recharged. He should pull a vacuum on it for an hour or so before recharging it to get rid of the moisture.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Holtwood PA
If the Compressor is siezed..most likely the refrigerant is already leaked out..I do AC systems all the time in my trucks..what they are probably doing is ripping you off...you can get another compressor for about $225..install it yourself...then you can get a vacuum pump cheap at harbor freight and suck it down to about -30 lbs.. let it sit with a vacuum gauge on it and see if it holds the vacuum... then if Washington doesn't allow you to buy R134A..(all the states around here allow it). take it to a small garage they can put a set of adapters on and charge it for you..( about $10-$12 per lb., probably shouldn't take more than 2.5 lbs) and let them check for leaks with infra-red...if WA does allow buying 134...go to walmart or pep boys or advanced auto...pickup a retro fit kit..(about $35) screw the adapters onto your fittings and stick a cuple cans in...get the hose with a little gauge...when the ac is running you should be around 30 PSI on the low pressure side...don't overfill it..you can blow the compressor...more is not always better
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
In addition to replacing the compressor, your condenser, evaporator, and hoses will have to be flushed to remove any possible metal fragments that your comp. may have created during its demise. This must be done as any such fragments in the system after installing the new comp will end up ruining it. You will also need a need dryer. Also, depending upon the valve system your car has (VIR, expansion valve, POA, or whatever), will have to be looked at for proper operation. Do the job right or you will be redoing it. Good luck. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Just like Jud said, you need to do some flushing. When a compressor seizes up, it's bound to have contaminated the system with particles. Systems with Dessicants need to have that replaced any time the A/C is opened up as well. The Dessicant absorbs water, effectively drying the air to make it 'conditioned.'
I think the POA valve in our cars has the dessicant in it, so plan on replacing that after the system is flushed. As you have found, A/C work is not cheap! It cost me 2 Grand to have mine done three years ago.
All is new now though ... hoses, compressor, POA valve, and the evaporator core. In my case the condensor up front was still good and just needed to be flushed.
I also, when I got the car back, took the dash apart and resealed all of the ducts. Wow what a difference!
I think the POA valve in our cars has the dessicant in it, so plan on replacing that after the system is flushed. As you have found, A/C work is not cheap! It cost me 2 Grand to have mine done three years ago.
All is new now though ... hoses, compressor, POA valve, and the evaporator core. In my case the condensor up front was still good and just needed to be flushed.I also, when I got the car back, took the dash apart and resealed all of the ducts. Wow what a difference!
