Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Alan Muller on Mon June 09, 2008 8:29 PM

Year: 1990
Make: Subaru
Model: Legacy
Engine Size: 2.2
Refrigerant Type: R-12

This is a 1990 Subaru Legacy with a Diesel-Kikki DCW-17 compressor.

There is some charge in the car but the compressor won't run and it feels quite stiff to me. I can turn it, no lumpy or grinding feel, but not as free as a good compressor should be.

This was a $1000 car and I'm reluctant to spent $300 on a new compressor.


Suggestions?

Thanks

brickmason on Mon June 09, 2008 8:52 PM

You came to the best place to buy parts and get all the information you need to do the job yourself.

Do you plan on leaving the vehicle r12 or converting to 134a?

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Just another brick in the wall

Had a little mule I fed him castor oil and every time he jumped the fence he fertilized the soil

Alan Muller on Mon June 09, 2008 9:03 PM

I'm familiar with refrigeration to some extent but have never converted a system to 134a. I would be inclined to in this case but would appreciate any guidance on whether the cooling is likely to be acceptable ... I do have a few cans of R-12 around.

Thanks,

am

brickmason on Mon June 09, 2008 9:08 PM

Since you have r12 then just be sure to fix all leaks and recharge because with the factory components, you will get better cooling anyway.

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Just another brick in the wall

Had a little mule I fed him castor oil and every time he jumped the fence he fertilized the soil

TRB on Mon June 09, 2008 10:36 PM

Is the compressor not coming on do to a low pressure issue or something else? If it's a low pressure issue check for leaks repair them and follow normal charging procedures. No way to really tell how the compressor is going to act unless you get it going. There are a couple things you could try like removing it form the car. Drain the oil and adding fresh. At that time you could spin in with a drill and see what kind of suction you achieve. But that's not going to be the same as the compressor working under a load.

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Alan Muller on Mon June 09, 2008 11:32 PM

Well, my initial concern was over how stiff the compressor is. ....

I expect I can spin it on the car by energizing the clutch coil directly, but is this wise?

Should I take it off and flush oil through it? Take it apart and look for a bad bearing or scored cylinders and whatever?

There is a parts breakdown on this site--actually the ackits site. Will they have all that stuff?

Alan

Leggie on Thu June 28, 2012 1:46 PM

Who here is familiar with the DCW-17 variable capacity compressor? I just replaced mine along with the TXV and it still ain't cooling. after weighing in the spec amount of R12.

The compressor I used is a used one that I was told is off of a working system.

How do I test the compressor as a rule out? I'm getting 25 psi suction/75psi discharge at 70F.