Frank Reynolds
Go Kart Newbie
- Location
- So Cal
Has anyone replaced their own AC compressor? Is there a DIY anywhere, some serioud Googling didn't yield much so I''m assuming not. My mechanic quoted me $875 installed which is pretty hefty...
Thanks. What’s the best way to check the solenoid?It’s not that involved. Release the AC system pressure. Drop the serp belt and unbolt the compressor like 3-4 bolts. The hardest part is probably removing the hard lines from the pump. They have a guide pin that can rust and really make removing the hard lines difficult. Should be able to do it all from under the car except maybe the tensioning pulley to drop the belt. Check that it’s not a simple, failed solenoid on the compressor before replacing the whole unit.
Love your username and signature. Would you care for a nice egg in this trying time?Thanks. What’s the best way to check the solenoid?
It’s the full shebang. He noted he’d use an AC Delco unit because it’s better or something.Is $875 with the new compressor and re charge? They are fairly expensive. It's probably only a 2 hour job from what I remember. If it includes all of that it's on the high side of reasonable. If that's labor only then it's way too high.
Without having a way to power it, a multimeter should be able to test for resistance at the very least. I would think a good tech would opt for this in his diagnosis but you never know these days.Thanks. What’s the best way to check the solenoid?
They checked for leaks and a some other stuff but didn't check the solenoid. When I set the appointment I was warned that these compressors go bad all the time. I think I may go for a second opinon because I'm not about to drop almost a grand. Worst case, I just won't drive it when it's hot out. Thank you for the input. I may test the solenoid myself just to see.Without having a way to power it, a multimeter should be able to test for resistance at the very least. I would think a good tech would opt for this in his diagnosis but you never know these days.
Yes, so once you do that you're all in anyway.does the system need to be purged to change the solenoid?
Yeah, probably not going to do that myself. Thanks for all the info much appreciated. I think I’m going to see about testing the solenoid and then going to a different mechanicYes, so once you do that you're all in anyway.
My mechanic checked it out this morning and noted the refrigerant was low and leaking out of the “face”. Aside from that it functions fine. He recharged the system and told me it’ll last maybe a couple weeks. I’m most worried about pollution if I were to attempt it myself.How do you know its the compressor? Its super easy, I have done a complete ac compressor rebuild on mine when I had a leak on the main seal. Anyways you can manually check to see if you have freon in the system. After that you can jump start the compressor directly to the battery to check to see if it spins.
My mechanic checked it out this morning and noted the refrigerant was low and leaking out of the “face”. Aside from that it functions fine. He recharged the system and told me it’ll last maybe a couple weeks. I’m most worried about pollution if I were to attempt it myself.