1999 FRC w/125k miles

My ac was quickly becoming "weak" so I pulled out the gauges and ran the tests in the manuals. The pressures values were very close across the compressor when running indicating the compressor was bad, until I ran a high rpm test (step 6 page 1-39 volume 1) that suggested it was the internal control valve. But I went ahead and installed a reman compressor from Autozone. $260.

Fairly easy task. recover freon. remove air bridge. drain the coolant for reuse (mine was installed only a few months ago). Remove belts. Disconnect the water pump hoses. Remove water pump. remove passenger tire. loosen the compressor mounting bolts, disconnect the ac clutch connector. disconnect the freon lines from the back of the compressor. Remove compressor.

I carefully drained the crankcase of the compressor oil and measured it. 2 oz. I installed 2 oz of 46 PAG into the new compressor.

NOTE: My compressor was sold dry except for some assembly oils. the compressor manufacturer specifically stated not to drain that oil. I didn't. I added 2 oz.

Reassembly was pretty much reverse of disassembly. Replaced the waterpump mounting gaskets (installed new ones as originals looked toast. $5.23 at the local dealer). To install the drivers side gasket and not have it fall off as I bolted it up, I installed the 3 bolts surrounding the gasket all the way thru the pump housing, then put the gasket in place on the bolts. I held the bolt heads close up to the housing while I maneuvered the assembly into place, and started the bolts. the passenger side gasket can be slipped into place with during assembly.

Refilled the cooling system, vacumned down the system, put in 2 cans, and instant ac.

4 hours not including the vacumn and fill.

I would like to replace the compressor control valve in the old compressor and keep the unit as a spare. But I need to find a way to test it without installing it.

Not too bad a job. saved at least $1000 over the dealer I would think.

 

Why save it. A new one is $425 made by delphi and has had design changes plus old compressors are known to crack and leak at the rear lower mounting bolt.

Chris

 

$10 core. Will cost me more to take it back than the core value. gas, ya know.

And the internal valve is about $125? but unless I can find a way to test the repaired unit, I will not replace it.

 

Cool, I had the same problem and replaced mine a few months back. I put together this write-up on the install.

Rocco

 

Nice write-up. My compressor oil was in excellent shape. I saw no evidence of any metal discoloration. The screen in the end of the compressor was clean as a whistle. If I had any doubts, I would have done the same as you with the full system flush.