AC Compressor is bad...

[Holaday1185]

Hey All,
Just got my ac compressor filled for my 1997 Buick Park Avenue. My mechanic told me I had quite a significant leak on the thing. I drove my car around for about 2 weeks, not using the AC at all, and when I went to turn it on, my AC was hot. Everything, inluding the blowing system which blows hot air (heat) and vent air works. I obviously have a leak in my compressor. I am an amateur mechanic who would like to purchase an new compressor, install it myself, and then get it filled with freon by a friend. Is this compressor the only thing that is bad, and can I install a new compressor myself?

Thanks

[HotZ28]

Be sure where the leak is prior to replacing parts! Do not just take someone’s word for it. Add a can of R-134 "with dye" and you will be able to "see" where the leak is, unless it is in the evaporator. Of course, you will need to get the compressor to run & build pressure, too see where it is leaking. If you have to replace the compressor, you will also need to replace the accumulator/drier & orifice tube in order to validate the compressor warranty.

[flirtypurty]

My went bad on my 97,I went to a salvage yard and found a car w/27,000 miles on it.They only charged me $75 for the compressor.You will need 2 new line seals,installation is easy.It has to come out thru the top towards the driver side believe it or not.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Holaday1185

Hey All,
Just got my ac compressor filled for my 1997 Buick Park Avenue. My mechanic told me I had quite a significant leak on the thing. I drove my car around for about 2 weeks, not using the AC at all, and when I went to turn it on, my AC was hot. Everything, inluding the blowing system which blows hot air (heat) and vent air works. I obviously have a leak in my compressor. I am an amateur mechanic who would like to purchase an new compressor, install it myself, and then get it filled with freon by a friend. Is this compressor the only thing that is bad, and can I install a new compressor myself?

Thanks

As said first find that leak.
As to installing a compressor if that is the problem you can install it your self.
But some imformation on compressors. If just a seal leak some seals can be replaced if you have the proper seal installation tools.
Also some rebuilt compressors are junk. A better choice would be a new one or a known good used one.
And as said proper replacement if you replace it. Reciever dryer and check expansion tube and if needed flush system and add the proper amount and correct oil. Vacume down system and install the correct R-134-a charge.
Here is some of the equipment that is needed for the correct installation.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...uct_Code=66773

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...e=DIY-STARTER1

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...ode=DIYADVANCE

Here is a link to some good info on them and they sell good parts to.
http://www.autoacforum.com/

And say no to one of them wal mart death recharge kits.
Wal Mart DEATH KITS

You cannot properly and safely recharge an air condition system with them.

The one side stop and go gauge does not tell you what your system is doing or is over charged or undercharged.
A overcharged or malfunction air condition system can reach over 500 lbs of pressure.
Enough to blow up that can or system and freeze you at first and the burn you or blind you and if any propane /butane in there blow and light you up.

The stop leak crap and who knows what kind of oil in the kits there will stop your system for sure.
Just like pouring super glue in it.
And some kits even contain freon with a butane mixer.
Good for a big blast.

If you are going to do it do it right and safe.
Here is what you need to start with.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc...uct_Code=66773

In the older days you could just throw in a can and go.
But over the years just adding freon is getting harder to do.
Newer systems have to have the correct amount of freon down to the ounces.
Most will need pumped down and vacuumed down and the right and amount of oil and a set amount freon charge installed to get the air to cool right and the system to last.
If an air condition is low there is usually a leak that needs fixed and also a lose of lubricating oil from system.
Also air and moisture enters a low system
If you are going to try to do it get the proper type air condition gauge set with the low and high side gauges.
Hook up the gauges and get a reading with compressor running at idle and at 2000 rpm on the high and low side.
Post back pressure reading and we can help you.
MT