Dear Corvette Forum Members & Experts,

I hope you could help me with this issue I'm facing with my 98 vert. Since I live in Saudi Arabia and we don't really have access to a variety of options when it comes to spare parts, I've purchased the AC compressor that was available in the market the moment mine failed which also failed same day I've installed it, so I guessed something was done wrong while installation as I am really struggling with finding vette experts in this area. I went the next day and purchased another one of the same brands (I don't recall the brand name but it's an aftermarket *Chinese), failed after 2 hours from installation.

I am planning to order all the required parts from one of the well known online corvette parts suppliers but I'm hoping you could share the tips and instructions to resolve this issue. I would also want to know which parts do I really need and which brands and suppliers do you recommend.

Regards,
A.Z

 

Didn’t the replacement compressor come with a warranty? Did the compressor have oil in it?

 

It had oil in it and the shop said they got it replaced. As for the warranty, I called the guys at the spare-parts shop and explained what happened and their response was total nonsense. He said "We only give / cover warranty on compressors if they were installed in our workshop or some other specific workshop", I told him why wasn't I told the moment I bought it!!! Total BS. I wasted $220 each + installation + gas charges twice.

 

There are so many reasons why a second and third compressor can fail. The very first failure, was it an internal failure that sent bits and pieces of steel, aluminum, brass, and/or other materials out of the compressor and into the rest of the system? If it was that type of failure, did you have the system flushed and replace the orifice tube and accumulator/dehydrator? Did they install a screen in the suction port too?

 

Hi Bookyoh,
On the 3rd time, the orfice tube was replaced and I made sure the system was flushed but I've not changed the accumulator and not sure where or how to install the screen. Thank you for responding to this thread and sharing your input.

 

I am making the assumption that your compressors are failing internally. A piston, connecting rod, bearing, or some other component. Perhaps that is a bad assumption. Are each of your compressors failing internally? It’s pretty easy to tell when you rotate the compressor clutch by hand and it’s either locked up or grinds and crunches. An internal failure will also have lots of bits and pieces of metal in the discharge port and the oil you drain out.

On the other hand, The clutch can fail to engage due to an electrical issue. There is a control valve in the rear head of the compressor. It can fail and cause the compressor to barely pump.

So without any more information, I’m just throwing out ideas.

Your question about the accumulator/dehydrator- It is located near the battery.It connects to the outlet of the evaporator and it connects to the suction line to the compressor. It removes moisture from the system and provides a reservoir for any liquid refrigerant that may be exiting the evaporator. It also tends to hold some of the oil charge. After a system flush and replacement of the accumulator/dehydrator you will need a full system charge of 9 ounces if you are using a Delphi V7 replacement compressor.

The suction screen is (at least it was available a few years ago) just a screen that fits in the suction port. It catches little bits of foreign material so that it does not go into the compressor. Definitely something good to have if your system has previously trashed a compressor.

 

Hi Bookyoh,

I believe they both failed internally as they both locked up and started smoking out after 2 hours max. I am not sure what is causing this! And I am not sure what it is to be done to prevent this from happening one more time. Is it necessary to change the accumulator? I am thinking to order a new compressor +accumulator + Both hose assemblies + Condenser and get the electrical output checked. I know that will cost me so much but I am not sure what is it to be done since I don't trust mechanics any more.

 

The general consensus for replacement compressors has also been to hold out and pay the extra for a genuine AC Delco unit.

 

Note that the condenser cannot be flushed. The tubing size is too small to be effectively flushed out. When a compress fails internally the recommend procedure is to REPLACE the compressor, receiver dryer, orifice tube, and condenser. Then flush out the remaining lines and the evaporator.

 

I think I was in a hurry I didn't want to order from the states and wait for it. But now I know I have to. Who knows of a good genuine parts supplier, please share.

 

 

Besides what they already said about the accumulator/dryer+condenser+orifice tube+lines (and flush) which is absolutely true, make sure after the replacements to check that the AC pressures are normal and don't spike during the recharge. Mine was spiking and we caught it on time, and it was the AC pressure sensor that wasn't properly connected. You'll overwork the compressor with a faulty AC pressure sensor or faulty connection, and possibly fail it prematurely.

 

Hello A. Z.:
Sorry about the AC problems.

As recommended, with some things it is best to use the original brand and style.

Some good suggestions have already been posted for troubleshooting. If you decide to go with another replacement AC unit, one forum vendor I would suggest is:
Cultrag Performance
http://www.cultragfactoryparts.com
Phone number: 484-334-8833
3115 St. Lawrence Avenue #3918
Reading, PA 19606

Best wishes for a long term fix to your problem.

 

Just curious what replacement compressor you used. Do you have one of the broken ones you can take a picture of? If I were shopping for a replacement here in the US I would also check rockauto.com and gmpartsdirect.com. I’m pretty sure there was a forum member who recently bought a Delphi replacement compressor from amazon.com as well.

 

I bought the Delphi from Amazon after having a R&Y reman compressor that leaked upon installation. I installed with with a new accumulator and orifice tube and it's been fine since. My original one leaked, so I had no concern with debris.

 

The one I bought when I did my AC repair was a Four Seasons (new, not remanufactured) from rockauto