replacement a/c parts

[hikerpat]

My '97 coupe needs a new a/c compressor, as the original one has a large leak. The dealership will replace the compressor (which includes a clutch) and receiver/dryer. As someone else has provided the funds (not enough for what I was quoted and I cannot come up with the remainder), I have called around for prices for replacement compressor and receiver/dryer.
One place refuses any type of warranty, if the expansion valve is not replaced at the same time as the compressor and r/d.
Another place did not mention the expansion valve, so I asked: Does the expansion valve need to be replaced, too? (I have posed this question to the dealership's service manager, and I don't think he appreciated it, as he never answered.)
I was told, as long as I take it to some place decent (it will be the dealership), they will use a product called air conditioning flush, that flushes out all the gunk, making an expansion valve unnecessary.
Another place uses remanufactured parts (as does the dealership), and the remanufactured compressor includes the clutch.
So, I need to know about the necessity of an expansion valve, and should I get the remanufactured compressor w/clutch versus compressor only.
Hope someone can help here, and that I'm not given different opinions, leaving me just as confused as I already am.
By the way - I am already aware that, if I buy parts in an auto parts store, their warranty will not cover labor, in the event of parts failure.

Read more: http://forums.automotive.com/70/9121...#ixzz1vjMQ5hTn

[brcidd]

I never flush for a leak-- why do they suspect gunk when failure mode is a leak? The compressor pumps fine- just leaks -right?

[hikerpat]

...which confirms my suspicions about the place that does not offer any warranty if a person does not also purchase an expansion valve - it's extortion!
But, how about the other part of my question: remanufactured compressor w/clutch (which is what the dealership uses anyway) or a new, after-market compressor w/o clutch? It would seem to me (?) that including the clutch is a bit of insurance against that part also failing. Yes? No?

[DeltaP]

I do alot of A/C work and I've stopped using reman compressors a long time ago. Too many problems with 'em and most of 'em are noisy. The first time a job comes back you lost money on it! All aftermarket mfg's insist on replacing the TXV or O-tube for their warranty. Buy one. Whether you use it or not is up to you. They're only gonna look at the receipt anyway. When you buy new tires you pay for new valve stems don't ya? The OEM needs some kind of insurance that their compressor wasn't starved or slugged refrigerant and oil. But if it's been in the system for a long time I'd change it along with the drier. Flushing is time consuming if it's unecessary. Then ya gotta get all that flush solvent outta there. If theres no catastrophic failure like a compressor burnout its unecessary. Just make sure your replacement oil strategy is accurate.
The dealer is using reman parts just to maximize his profit. You took him by surprise when you mentioned the expansion valve.Thats why he had no answer. You'd have found one on the bill anyway! You cant effectively flush a TXV or O-tube in circuit. It has to come out. They do gather "gunk" as you call it. Its usually carbon built up over the years from the heat of compression and it does effect its performance.

[hikerpat]

DeltaP - I went ahead and had the dealership order the compressor and receiver/dryer. BTW - the compressor is OEM and is about $100 less than the after-market one the dealership would have purchased for the job. I'll just have to dig into what savings is left to cover the difference between my purchasing parts with no labor warranty and the dealership's purchasing/installing them, and I'll have a warranty. Here's hoping this is a wise choice - considering I use the a/c very little (it takes 5mpg off my fuel efficiency!)

The service manager said he does not anticipate the bill being any more than what he has already quoted - unless they run into something not anticipated, i.e. rotted hose.

BTW - I'm from Wilton Manors (lived there 45 years).

Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips.

[DeltaP]

And my kid goes to Lee University in Cleveland Tennessee. Small world.

[DeltaP]

Whats the exact application.Make ,model,year,engine? You looking for compressor,drier,txv or o-tube?

[hikerpat]

I have a 1997 Saturn SC2, 5-speed, built in 1996; I have no idea as to what engine. I do believe it's either 124 hp or 125 hp, but that's probably not what you are asking.
The compressor and r/d are being ordered. I made certain to ask if there would be any *surprise* charges on the r/o, except for shop fees and tax. He told me, no shop fees, just maybe something unplanned, such as a hose.

Cleveland is about 1-1/2 hours South of K-town.

Look up my brother, John Serio, in Ft. Laud. He rebuilds Caddys on the side. Who knows - maybe he has you do a/c for him.

Thanks, again.