1986 A/C Compressor recommendations?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: San Diego California
1986 A/C Compressor recommendations?
I need to replace the A/C Compressor again. I bought a new compressor from AutoZone in 03'. That lasted only a few months beyond the warranty. Then I bought a used one off e-bay and that one started grinding as soon as it was installed. Kragen sells a Ready-Aire Compressor & Clutch for $134 new. Anyone have any luck with these ones?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Your experience tracks everything I've read about these brands - they're junk. I bought a "new" Factory Air brand for my truck from Auto Zone that groaned the minute I engaged it. Did get the manager to reimburse me for the gas and oil I wasted but nothing for my time. Do make sure all of the junk is out of your system - pull the orifice - if it's filled with crap, so are the lines and leaving that stuff in there will destroy anything new or old. Then buy a new or rebuilt ac delco unit from a reputable vendor. I like the Last Detail - www.tld-corvette.com or try www.ackits.com for a decent rebuild. Also replace the Accumulator and you can at least blow out the lines and Evaporator with Brake Parts Cleaner and compressed air. Put a white cloth on one end and keep spraying/blowing until it comes out clear. Consider a new condensor (they're 100 Bucks or so), particularly if there's junk in it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 5
From: Atlantis
Cruise-In I Veteran
WIth SunCr......If the system has ever incurred a compressor failure (not just leaking)
the failing compressure blows bits and pieces thru the system.
Some of them circulate around with the refrigerany until they find a 'sticky' place to 'park'.
Later, when a new compressor is installed those particles and pieces get loose again, migrate to the new compressor and damage the compressor blades or pistons
Some system 'junk' is large enough to stop up flues in the condensor and the evaporator. That will affect the efficiency of the system.
A new condensor, evaporator and dryer may be the ticket to reliability for this system. There are some inline filters you can put in the lines to reduce contamination,
