A new or rebuilt AC compressor?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
A new or rebuilt AC compressor?
Even though my original '92 charge of R12 is doing fine at this time, I am planning ahead for when the system finally fails.
When the time comes, my condenser is bent at the bottom and I want to convert to R134a even though I have about 30 small and two large containers of R12.
I'm really not interested in converting my '92 R12 system to R134a.
I am buying the entire system (piece-by-piece) for a '94 Corvette to install. So, instead of having a '92 AC system in my '92, it will be a '94 system from top to bottom and designed from the ground up for R134a and PAG oil.
So far, I have bought everything (lines, controls, switches, accumulator) except the condenser, evaporator, and compressor.
My question deals with the compressor.
Since everything else in my system will be new, should I buy a new compressor or would that be wasting money because a rebuilt is just as good?
In addition, has anyone used the newer "variable" orifice tubes?
http://www.aircondition.com/vov/10-99.htm
Is there a good reason to use one?
Tom Piper
When the time comes, my condenser is bent at the bottom and I want to convert to R134a even though I have about 30 small and two large containers of R12.
I'm really not interested in converting my '92 R12 system to R134a.
I am buying the entire system (piece-by-piece) for a '94 Corvette to install. So, instead of having a '92 AC system in my '92, it will be a '94 system from top to bottom and designed from the ground up for R134a and PAG oil.
So far, I have bought everything (lines, controls, switches, accumulator) except the condenser, evaporator, and compressor.
My question deals with the compressor.
Since everything else in my system will be new, should I buy a new compressor or would that be wasting money because a rebuilt is just as good?
In addition, has anyone used the newer "variable" orifice tubes?
http://www.aircondition.com/vov/10-99.htm
Is there a good reason to use one?
Tom Piper
Last edited by Tom Piper; Jun 7, 2006 at 08:28 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Obviously a new compressor would be the first choice. I think a driving factor would be the guarantee on the rebuilt and possibly a recommendation from the supplier on their track record of the rebuilds.
The proper amount of refrig oil in the system is the key to longevity and sometime it is a guess. But in a newly installed system I think you can use the proper amount from the specs.
The proper amount of refrig oil in the system is the key to longevity and sometime it is a guess. But in a newly installed system I think you can use the proper amount from the specs.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I faced the problem last year in my C5... fortunately my C4 cpmpressor is still runing stongly...
My mechanic said he preferred I bought a used compressor to a re-manufactured one. He has seen too many failures on remanufactured ones....
Since I was paying him to R&R it, he said the cost of doing it twice would be far more if the remanufactured one failed..... yes htey will honor the warranty on replacement, but it is the labor that is at issue.
If you are doing it your self... that changes the economic decision.
My mechanic said he preferred I bought a used compressor to a re-manufactured one. He has seen too many failures on remanufactured ones....
Since I was paying him to R&R it, he said the cost of doing it twice would be far more if the remanufactured one failed..... yes htey will honor the warranty on replacement, but it is the labor that is at issue.
If you are doing it your self... that changes the economic decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
The pros hate the Discounters saying that most of the remans are nothing more than painted cases. I bought a new Factory Aire brand from Autozone for my truck. Let the vacuum hold overnight before charging it up. Started it up and it sounded like a scalded cat. Drove back to Autozone and drug the mgr out to listen to it. He gave me another one plus R134 & oil - nothing for my time of course - nor could I talk him out of another Accumulator (since I'd have to open it back up).
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: edgerton WI
I had real good luck on my 84 getting a napa compressor. Before that I had bad luck with three auto zone compressors in one summer. I got tired of cleaning the system and changing dryers mutch less the time to change it all. They cept giving me parts under there warenty but I would rather pay more for parts that work and last than save money and have a warenty that you will need over and over agen.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
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From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
It is always stated that a rebuilt anything is just an old casing with "NEW" parts, which makes sense,BUT!
When and if your able, a "BRAND NEW" purchase is always the safest bet. It is good for peace of mind and reliability!(I'm not knocking any rebuilt parts but there are CERTAIN things one should "if able" to purchase new! for the safest bet and Warrenty)
Heck! I buy Used,Proven,Rebuilt and NEW Parts, it just depends on the part.
I hope this helps.
Thanks, Matt
When and if your able, a "BRAND NEW" purchase is always the safest bet. It is good for peace of mind and reliability!(I'm not knocking any rebuilt parts but there are CERTAIN things one should "if able" to purchase new! for the safest bet and Warrenty)
Heck! I buy Used,Proven,Rebuilt and NEW Parts, it just depends on the part.
I hope this helps.
Thanks, Matt
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by Tom Piper
Since everything else in my system will be new, should I buy a new compressor or would that be wasting money because a rebuilt is just as good?
Larry
code5coupe
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: CV ca
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13
Originally Posted by rocco16
Everything considered, I'd go new. The price delta isn't that great.
Larry
code5coupe
Larry
code5coupe
I would go new. get a compressor that was built for 134a. maybe it will last longer.
oil for 134a is polyol ester:
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Originally Posted by FF1wms
I would go new. get a compressor that was built for 134a. maybe it will last longer. oil for 134a is polyol ester:
If you look at part numbers for compressors, the one for an R12 '92 system is exactly the same part number for a R134a '94 system.
And, since I'm putting the oil in a completely brand new system, I am using PAG oil like GM recommends in a '94 system. If I were putting R134a in a system that had R12 in it at one time I would use ester oil.
Tom Piper
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Fort Worth TX
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Originally Posted by cajun86
If it is a blend, I wouldn't touch it.
There are reasons that the auto manufacturers don't use blends.
R12 and R134a are not blends.
Tom Piper
