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A/C Reed valve replacement?

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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:50 PM
  #1  
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Default A/C Reed valve replacement?

Been having a few A/C issues in a 2001. High side pressure is low, low side pressure is high. Diagnostic charts I read mostly point to a bad reed valve in the compressor, and the low-side hose is leaking as well. Figured I'd replace those, and while it was cracked opened I'd change the orifice tube as well. Not going to do the whole compressor just yet unless I need to.

Or, am I going in the wrong direction here?
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 09:26 PM
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From: Joppa AL
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Your press does point towards a weak comp. What are the readings at 2000rpm and what is the duct temp.

Sounds like the hose and orifice tube is a good idea but with a weak comp your chances of good cooling are slim.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 10:01 AM
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From: Eddy Texas
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If you are even remotely thinking of replacing the compressor, DO NOT mess with changing reed valves now, just replace the whole compressor. All of the labor and most of the parts(freon,oil,accumulator,orifice tube), you will have to replace again if you change the comp. Besides, I would not open up a compressor for repairs unless I were very skilled at rebuilding one. You will need more than just the reed valves. There are shaft seals, clutch bearings, o-rings, etc that are required if you want the job to be done correctly, not to mention special tools. By the time you add up all of the parts and tool rentals, you're not far from the cost of a compressor. Plus, by changing the entire thing you can have a warranty for the future. That's just my .02, but I would rather not deal with the possiblility if doing it twice.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 10:05 AM
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Answer whatever Plasticfan (above) asks you ... do whatever he recommends .... he KNOWS A/C systems .....

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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by c5streak
If you are even remotely thinking of replacing the compressor, DO NOT mess with changing reed valves now, just replace the whole compressor. All of the labor and most of the parts(freon,oil,accumulator,orifice tube), you will have to replace again if you change the comp. Besides, I would not open up a compressor for repairs unless I were very skilled at rebuilding one. You will need more than just the reed valves. There are shaft seals, clutch bearings, o-rings, etc that are required if you want the job to be done correctly, not to mention special tools. By the time you add up all of the parts and tool rentals, you're not far from the cost of a compressor. Plus, by changing the entire thing you can have a warranty for the future. That's just my .02, but I would rather not deal with the possiblility if doing it twice.
Actually, looks like I'm using the wrong term here. What I am intending to replace is the "Control Valve", which going by the diagrams is an external part that comes out of the bottom of the compressor. You don't have to even take the compressor out to replace it.

I agree, if I had to take thing thing off and crack it open, I'd just replace the whole unit. But in this case it's after its depressurized it's just a snap ring and done.
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