A/C compressor Reliability
05-01-2011, 10:49 PM
#1
Instructor
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A/C compressor Reliability
I have a leak in my Evaporator and will be replacing it along with the receiver/dryer. Any opinions on whether I should replace my 94,000 mi compressor and condensors?
05-02-2011, 09:47 AM
#2
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Location: Brandon FL
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If there not bad, why replace them? It's not like you have to pull the evaporator again to replace the condensers or compressor. I have 118K miles on mine, still works great.
05-02-2011, 07:33 PM
#4
Race Director
From what I have gathered the compressor is quite robust and long lived. (More directly, my experience is with my 02 Boxster's compressor which is the original compressor and working just fine and the car's going on 242K miles.)
The biggest risk to the compressor comes from using the A/C with low or missing refrigerant.
In this case the compressor rans sans the proper lubrication (the oil in the A/C system is carried by the refrigerant).
Yet another variation of the above, is if the leak is at the right or wrong place along with the refrigerant the compressor oil can leak out to which means there is insufficient oil to lube the compressor even if there was any refrigerant to carry it along.
Be sure you have the A/C system properly evacuated and checked for leaks after the hardware is replaced and then the system refilled with the proper amount and type of refrigerant and compressor oil and the system checked for leaks again. This takes time to do right. IIRC the system is placed under a vacuum for 30 minutes, then the filling takes place.
Afterwards, the A/C's performance can be tested by setting the controls a specific way -- mainly to max cool -- and the exit air temp at the vents measured. (A digital cooking thermometer works great for this.) At a given ambient air temp the exit air temp should be within a certain range. I don't have the numbers handy but if you need them I might be able to dig them up.
Sincerely,
Macster.
05-05-2011, 10:16 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
The A/C compressor on my '99 C2 seized and failed at 10 years and 46,000 miles, so they are not forever, nor perfectly bullet proof.
But, I agree with the others that if is isn't broken, don't fix it (unless you are referring to the IMSB). Usually A/C compressors last a very long time. Perhaps it is just because I live in Florida and the A/C compressor runs all the time year 'round.
But, I agree with the others that if is isn't broken, don't fix it (unless you are referring to the IMSB). Usually A/C compressors last a very long time. Perhaps it is just because I live in Florida and the A/C compressor runs all the time year 'round.
