AC question
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
AC question
I bought my car last year from someone who only owned it for a month( he buys them and cleans them then resales them), I want to get the AC working (there was no belt on the compressor) What steps should I take to see if the parts on the car now work or need replacing. Since I cant ask the original owner to see what mechanical is wrong with the AC or if it was just disconnected to save power, I didnt know where to begin and sure dont want to pay a garage to look at it. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 65,981
Likes: 15
Re: AC question (JohnsRed79)
If it was converted to R134a, then you might just buy a new belt, charge it up and see if it works. If it is still a R12 system, then you better make sure it will hold a charge because R12 is too expensive to waste through a leak. Chances are the seller knew it needed major repair and didn't want you to find out. Consequently, he took the belt off before the sale.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: AC question (JohnsRed79)
When I was buying, 90% of the C3s I looked at had the A/C belt removed. And 90% of the people tried to :bs me by saying it just needed freon. I'm sorry to say this is very seldom the case.
At the very least, you're looking at replacing the compressor -- the seals are likely shot by now. Probably the hoses and the accumulator/drier (or whatever it's called), too. I know because I bought a C3 with non-working A/C. It cost me nearly a thousand bucks to get it working again!
Start saving your $$$, and start shopping around for a place that won't skin you alive!
At the very least, you're looking at replacing the compressor -- the seals are likely shot by now. Probably the hoses and the accumulator/drier (or whatever it's called), too. I know because I bought a C3 with non-working A/C. It cost me nearly a thousand bucks to get it working again!
Start saving your $$$, and start shopping around for a place that won't skin you alive!
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Re: AC question (JohnsRed79)
If the compressor hasn't been run for an extended period of time chances are the seals are shot. Most owners manuals suggest running the a/c for a few minutes, even in the winter, if possible to keep everything lubricated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: AC question (JohnsRed79)
Agree you'll likely need a new or rebuilt compressor...........many don't like rebuilts, citing high failure rate.........and new accumulator. Must get system vacumed down to 28 inches for 1/2 hour to an hour, then you can charge system yourself if you also convert to R-134a, which will require purchase of a conversion kit. If you do work yourself, you can be all done for less than $500, maybe around $400.
