how hard is an a/c compressor on an '83?

[McSwine]

My mechanic has quoted me a price of $700 to replace the leaky compressor on my '83. He also said you should replace the evap/dryer when you replace the compressor. How hard a DIY job is this? Any advice at all would be appreciated.

[streetstar]

Replace all the comnponents yourself - then have a shop recharge it. A new compressor and all that should be less than $200

[Pyrotechnic]

Those shops will charge you 100% markup on any parts. A $250 compressor will cost you $500, etc....

[McSwine]

Originally Posted by streetstar

Replace all the comnponents yourself - then have a shop recharge it. A new compressor and all that should be less than $200

How hard a job is it? I have a little bit of mechanical ability, but that's about it.

[Pyrotechnic]

It's not too tough of a job. Even if you just hunt the parts down and buy them yourself, you will still save quite a bit.

[Eyegore]

What everyone has said is true, check autoparts stores around see who has the best warranties. Beware that some will not cover the compressor if you do not replace the accumlator, it was an extra $40 I believe. Last year I replaced the compressor, accumulator, evaporator and hoses chnged everything to r134. You'll need the system evacuated and add, oh I cannot recall what the oil that needs to be added - but make sure you add it, i burnt the first compressor becuase i did not add it. But it's not that difficult and you take your time. Oh I suggest you replace your heater core at the same time, it's right there since it's 24 years old

[I1502]

I just had a similar ($750-900) quote on my '86. I quickly looked online, and a new compressor was around $250 and the accumulator was $40.
I don't want to open my system and release any R12. I'm thinking of having them evacuate the system, then replace the compressor/ accumulator myself. Then have the system recharged. The problem is spotting any leaks in the system. I can understand why the A/C shop would want to do the entire job.
any insight?

[Eyegore]

Originally Posted by I1502

I can understand why the A/C shop would want to do the entire job.
any insight?

$$$$$$$$$$$ and warranty issues.

[75silverstep]

Sorry to whore in on your post but on the same topic i have a 75 and the big black compressor can i change to the newer smaller one without to much trouble mounting it..

[Eyegore]

Originally Posted by 75silverstep

Sorry to whore in on your post but on the same topic i have a 75 and the big black compressor can i change to the newer smaller one without to much trouble mounting it..

I believe all you wuld need is the correct bracket for the roatary compressor and have to get t the correct hoses to match at the compressor and accumulator, thats is where it gets a little more difficult.

[Slonaker]

I did mine 3 years ago on my '86 without any real knowledge, skill or abiility. I even vacuumed it with a Harbot Freight $10 venturi style pump. It still works.

While I was at it, I flushed the whole system and replaced all of the o-rings. I did the o-rings not because of the R134, but because I only wanted to mess with it ONCE.

I was standing on one leg the whole time because I had recently had surgery on my ankle, and was not allowed to put weight on it. Does that tell you how hard or easy it is?

I think you'll do just fine if you are even moderately mechanically inclined.

BTW, I paid about $250 for a NEW, not rebuilt compressor from a local shop. I figured it was worth it in the long run. The parts store $100 rebuilds have a bad reputation.

Slonaker

[Captkaos]

I agree it is pretty easy, I just did this to mine. If you can get a vacuum pump that pulls about 30lbs you are set (unless you system is full, which I would evac/collect it) R134A takes PAC oil, R12 uses Mineral oil.

Have you verified that the leak is coming from the compressor?

[McSwine]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

Have you verified that the leak is coming from the compressor?

Yeah, they put that dye in there and it's leaking like a sieve.

[Eyegore]

Thanks Chris i could not recall the oil. Now i had someone help me put my freon in and he had a scale to measure how many pounds were installed, but how many cans of freon (ones @ auotparts store) would it take to fill the system-I heard overfilling can hurt the system.

[Captkaos]

I don't have it in front of me, but the compressor generally lists the required amount based on the system capacity.
Generally you want about 2 - 2.5 cans if the system is empty (my 134a took almost 2.5 cans) Best to use a gauge though.