ricerodder91EX

My uncle bought a new compressor and wanted me to change it. But I simply added 134 and it works fine. Is there any reason to change the compressor? Would a faulty comressor work but cause refrigerant loss?

TheMuffinMan

iTrader: (1)

Loss of the refrigerant? Could be tons of things, a leak in the line, a slowly dying compressor, time, etc.

There's really no reason to swap it out if it works while recharged. If he already bought it though I'd swap it in because it certainly won't hurt the situation.

csnow

Track down the leak because it's usually not at the compressor.

If you were to replace the compressor, you would also need a new accumulator/receiver/dryer unit (every time you crack the system).

Better to find the leak and crack it just once. The condensor is always a good place to start when looking for a leak. Putting some tracer dye in the system works pretty well for finding a condensor leak.

Also, consider how long it holds a charge. Automotive AC systems are inherently leaky, and need to be recharged periodically.

Best of luck

bjornk

Unless you have a lot of tools and knowledge (vaccum pump, sniffer etc)--I have worked on my own ac enough times to know that this is one of those jobs best left to a pro. Ask around and find a good ac guy. In the long run it is cheaper than guesswork.

If you do go it alone, know that a system that has been leaking should be properly vaccumed to remove all moisture and held at vaccum a long time. Bettter rent a good vaccum pump. That accumulating moisture will kill any new parts you add to the system. Change the drier. A compressor that goes could require you to clean out the whole system getting even more expensive. So find that leak. If you are lucky it will be obvious, wet hoses etc but often they are not. especially when in heater core (feel drain plug for prescence of oil). OBviously check for oil on hoses.

YOu can pressure test with nitrogen and do an old soap test, (know anyone at a tire shop?)Most goood ac guys i know frown on dyes. They can usually find with a sniffer in minutes what could take you hours.

Without vaccuming the system you don't even know how much oil or water is in it.