AC compressor, new or remanufactured?

[Mar424]

i am replacing my whole ac system and making it R-134a, and when i was looking at compressors remanufactred are around $100 cheaper. So I just wanted to know which one i should get.

[curtis73]

I use remanufactured and don't have many problems. The bummer is (with either) if its no good and it leaks all the refrigerant, you've lost that money. The warranty only covers the compressor.

Not as much of a concern with r134 prices, but something to consider. I would guess that one in 25 reman compressors are bad and one in 75 new compressors are bad. Just guessing, so take your pick. As far as life expectancy, I've found they both do well, so if you make it past the critical first few months without issues, they tend to last as long as new compressors.

['97ventureowner]

I agree with Curtis. I usually purchase reman. parts when available as they are less expensive and not only are you purchasing parts and keeping them out of the landfills, you are playing a vital role in creating demand for these parts which in turn give many people jobs. So there are many benefits to buying remanufactured parts when you can, ranging from environmental to economic.

[Mar424]

so there wouldnt be any performance differences? and it should last as long as a new one correct?

[curtis73]

Yep.

[Mar424]

OK, now I will probably go ahead with remanufactured compressor.

But, now I have another question, should I bother replacing the condensor and evaporator or should I just clean them out. Is the condensor and evaporator likely to stop working?

Or should i just get everything new? (besides the compressor- which would be reman.)

[Mar424]

and also, do you guys buy remanufactured parts online or through a local shop? i was thinking online would be cheaper

[itsme000]

Originally Posted by Mar424

OK, now I will probably go ahead with remanufactured compressor.

But, now I have another question, should I bother replacing the condensor and evaporator or should I just clean them out. Is the condensor and evaporator likely to stop working?

Or should i just get everything new? (besides the compressor- which would be reman.)

Flush them out good. If you're converting to R-134a from R-12, depending on the type of lubricant you use, it maybe important to get every bit of mineral oil out. Lastly, you need to evacuate the sytem VERY GOOD. Have this done by a shop with a vacuum pump. If you don't, your compressor may fail early.

[curtis73]

Always buy a new drier. Its the little can and it has a dessicant bag in it. Should be very inexpensive and a necessary thing.

Converting refrigerants should always include a complete flush. You should be able to buy a kit to do it at home if you want, but it involves a solvent that you introduce into the system and then push it through; some with an air compressor, and some (rarely) by running the AC system.

The biggest reason is that the R12 system probably used mineral oil as a lube and the 134 system should have Ester or similar lube. Those two don't play well with others. Most of the oil stays in the compressor, but its best to flush it out anyway.