A/C Compressor went the way of the do-do
 

Well ... just when it's supposed to get HOT and STICKY ... my a/c compressor started to make noises this morning and quit cooling. I have a feeling it blew out the oil before I got the cooling fan back in. It did a pressure release on me a couple of times when I forgot to shut it off.

Questions ...
The compressors still runs (very noisy and doesn't cool. Can I get by with adding oil? I assume it's probably best just to replace the compressor.

If I replace the compressor, what needs to be done? I have a sneaky suspicion that the "synthetic" R134a I used was a sneaky way of adding the stop leak crap into the system. I need to go to Autozone and look at a can for sure. Most of the other synthetics I've looked at since have it mixed in. If it does have the stop leak junk ... what to do about it?

That sucks Michael! You can try adding oil but that probably won't fix it or help for long. If your compressor is completely blown up it could be pumping metal shavings in to the lines so then you should replace compressor, evacuate the system, oil charge, replace expansion tube and possibly replace the accumulater/dryer. Recharge the system. You might get by with less depending on how bad the compressor is. If it has shelled bad then I would flush the whole system before installing any new parts! Good luck! Oh and get that fan working cause without that the pressure gets way to high which I think you know that already.

Thanks Troy. I just put a new accumulator/dryer in a few weeks ago when I put a new condenser in.

The fan is in and working. I put it in last weekend. The compressor just went this morning. I idled the truck last night after working on it with the A/C on. I didn't *hear* any problems last night. Unfortunately, I did smell something this morning on my way into town. I thought I could hear the compressor, so I shut it off until I got to town and could visually inspect it.

I might just replace the compressor myself, then have a shop evacuate, flush and possibly recharge it. I'll at least save myself the cost and labor of the compressor. I can get a compressor from RockAuto for $150 +$20 core.

Sounds good! Hope it all works out for you!

Wow, Michael you are having a Dave type run of luck. Hopefully you can get it all worked out. Otherwise it's time for a GTG.

Thanks!

i've got plenty to do for a GTG ... just not enough $$$ to fund it. This one's gonna hurt. The system is full of refrigerant and don't really like the idea of just blowing it into the air. Compressor is most likely shot though so I have to do something.

All I can offer is my sympathy.

Well Tom ought to be able to offer something. I keep reading he's good at topside work!!

Ordered compressor this afternoon. I'm gonna try getting some PAG oil and see if it helps. I'm already assuming the compressor is shot, so can't hurt to try is my theory.

Maybe it'll at least get me through the weekend.

Oil might do it, but I wouldn't count on it.

If you want to drive aways I can help you do it at the shop and save the freon and stuff...

Dave ... I might take you up on that. I ordered the compressor today. Should be here mid week. Accunulator/drier should be ok since I just did it. We'll see what shops around here want to evac/flush/charge. Compressor is likely shot. Red oxidization over front of clutch.890

The compressor shipped today already. If it comes out of TX again, should be here Tue or Wed. Not sure when I'll be able to get up to your area Dave. I'm willing to wait.

Dave ... would you be available Thursday evening? I might be in the area for work. I have to coordinate schedule with my wife yet. It's kinda hard to be out of town. She works 45 minutes south of our house and the kids are 20 minutes north during the day in Mankato.

I think that should work just fine!

Thanks Dave!

I'll let you know. I just looked up the tracking information for the compressor. It's supposed to arrive at my house on Thursday. I'm going to call FedEx tomorrow and see if there is any way to pick it up in Mankato on Wednesday afternoon/night. That might be my only shot.

FedEx wa so unhelpful. The compressor is going to be coming right through Mankato. They can't hold it or redirect it until delivery has been attempted. Ordered one from Amazon. $5 less news (not reman) and should be here Wed. I'll just return the other one to RockAuto on Friday.