I need to replace my AC compressor.

[dagod16]

My AC compressor stopped working in Sept. No AC since then. I haven't needed it because its winter. But soon I will need to fix this issue.

This will be the 3rd compressor in 15 years. They go bad about every 5 years.

I am not spending $750 dollar to have a shop do this. I want to learn and do it myself.

I need to buy gauges, does anyone have a recommendation for a nice not crazy expensive set.

Also where can I get a good used or refurbished AC compressor. I would like to get a different brand.

Thanks
Rob

[Joliet Johnny]

I think the harbour freight gauges are good enough. I used them this summer for the first time and they seemed accurate. Also is the compressor dying or is it just the clutch?

[4.3LXJ]

Or the neutral safety switch?

[Joliet Johnny]

Or the neutral safety switch?

Oh Geez I hope you mis read this 4.3, I really dont want to live in a world where the neutral safety switch kills AC compressors(If thats the case then Im going to change mine as a preventive measure). But it was a Chrysler product so I can see how its possible.

[4.3LXJ]

My point is that if the switch fails, the compressor won't work. Happened to me last summer and is a common thing to fail across the board in all AC systems

[abebehrmann]

I think he probably means the AC pressure switch or whatever the switch is that tells the compressor the refrigerant is too low and to not compress so it doesn't burn itself out.

[Joliet Johnny]

Ok I'm not being a troll or anything but does the neutral safety switch have anything to do with the ac system? I know that is a common part to look at in a no start situation and I could honestly see them being silly enough to wire them together for some reason. On the other hand I could see a crooked shop replacing an expensive part then saying oops and quickly throwing in another part. I left Joliet Dodge when I saw a technician spraying coolant on a Stratus engine so the customer could see where the head gasket was blown.

[4.3LXJ]

Wow, did I say neutral safety switch? I guess I am not awake yet. I meant low pressure safety switch. It is located on the accumulator canister mounted on the frame behind the battery.

[Joliet Johnny]

Wow, did I say neutral safety switch? I guess I am not awake yet. I meant low pressure safety switch. It is located on the accumulator canister mounted on the frame behind the battery.

Oh the confusion and googling you drove me into...I know you know your stuff thats why I was in an ohhhhh $HEEET moment there.

[4.3LXJ]

Yeah, good thing I am going to take a break for a few days. Going to OR and marry off the boy.

[nickyg]

OK to add to the confusion. My clutch has a pedal attached to it not a compressor. I guess when I press the pedal it sorta compresses. Am I using it wrong????

In all seriousness. I don't do AC stuff but my friend that does all that for me has a set of harbor freight gauges. They seem to work well enough for the causal user.

[dagod16]

The mechanic looked at my system and said the compressor was shot. The clutch is fine.

Actually the compressor was leaking coolant out the back on that pressure release bolt.

[dagod16]

That pic is upside down, oops

[dagod16]

Getting the Gauges and the AC refill coolant is the easy part. What
I think I need a vac pump.
dye for the leaks
I also think I need to buy a dryer.

But what about the compressor.

[4.3LXJ]

Is it shot because it leaks on the back? There are repair kits for that. Does the compressor still pump?

[dagod16]

Not sure. How do I figure that out?

[dagod16]

I actually think it does. The belt spins and I don't turn it on at all. I haven't turned it on since Sept.

[4.3LXJ]

The simple thing to do is turn it by hand and see if it turns over. I think it just leaked off and he is taking the easy way out on this. But maybe his labor is too high to come out on a rebuild

[dagod16]

How do I do a rebuild?

[4.3LXJ]

It is not rebuild exactly, it is a gasket and seal replacement. There are O rings in the front and back of it and a seal on the shaft. I won't be able to help on this for a couple of weeks, going to be on the road

[dagod16]

Where do I buy a rebuild kit?

[dagod16]

I'm not going to do the work on this until May anyway, so all help is needed.

[dagod16]

Otherwise I was going to buy this replacement.

http://www.carpartkings.com/hvac/a-c-compressor-and-clutch.html

[dagod16]

What does left hand or right hand compressor mean?

Should I buy a used compressor from another jeep for like $50