A/C compressor

[venom42]

My car has the factory A/C on it. The A/C still cools, but the compressor has started making noise, so I have not been running it since. It is now starting to get too hot for the "windows down" method of A/C during the day. Are there any cheaper A/C compressors that will work (maybe from other cars)? I think I saw a new one from Victoria British for like $300-$400? Ouch. Any ideas?

[2-4-T-Z-MAN]

Do you have the old YORK style compressor?

They are big kinda square and weigh a ton.

Usually mounted on the right front of the engine over the stock fuel pump.

If the compressor is not leaking then you may not need to replace it. Check the compressor clutch. If that is where the noise is coming from then it can be replaced with out taking everything apart. Also check the ldler pully. The bearing can cause a fuss when under load.

Have someone turn the A/C on while you are listening.

If it's the clutch you'll know.

Good luck.

[venom42]

It is very large, and is on the right, lower side of the engine (if you are looking from the front of the car). Since it is a 280, the fp is in the rear. A couple of people have told me that replaceing the clutch would end up being more expensive than replacing the whole compressor? They have both said that you need special tools (which I do not have, and neither do they) to remove and replace it, and that I would likely have to pull the compressor either way. The previous owner had it retrofitted to r134 (bah!), if that makes any difference. Since 134 is so "environmentally friendly", I was just going to crack open the valve and let the pressure of, replace it, and take it somewhere to have them pull a vaccum on the system, then charge it myself with the kits you get at autozone. I just do not know what to do with it now, nor do I have the $300-$400 to buy a new compressor.:stupid:

[st0878]

If your going to r134 ypu will need to flush the entire system and replace the dryer then pull vacume and refill the r134. You will also need to install two new service adaptors. Buy brass and not aluminum adaptors. This is a friend on mine's WEB site. It's for crappy IROC Camaro american cars, but he's go a really good write up on converting to 134 with some good links to other AC sites. http://www.iroczone.com/newindex.htm

[st0878]

Sorry that link doesn't take you all the way down. Go to the link then to Projects, Heating and Cooling then A/C Retrofit

[sblake01]

Originally posted by st0878

Sorry that link doesn't take you all the way down. Go to the link then to Projects, Heating and Cooling then A/C Retrofit

He's not looking to retrofit it. In his second post he states that the previous owner had converted it to R134.

[st0878]

Geeez now I have to start reading the question? If ya don't know the answer ...... dazzel them with BS......

Thanks Steve your right!

[venom42]

Yah... I am wondering if maybe they did not put the right oil in or something when it was done. Maybe that is what is killing it?