Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)
Is a new compressor my only solution?
DE on 
Sat July 30, 2011 2:36 PM 
Year: 1989
Make: Cadillac
Model: Barritz
Engine Size: v8
Refrigerant Type: R12
Country of Origin: United States
The AC on my '89 Cadillac Eldorado was working great then I got the "Low A/C refrigerant, A/C compressor off", message. After calling around to see who still had R12 I found a place and took the car in. They said I had a small compressor leak and put in one can to see if it held. On my way home it worked great-nice cold air which in the heat of a Florida summer, is a necessity. Unfortunately it only lasted a day before I got the same message. Is there any type of "fix" or "stop leak" for an old compressor? If a new compressor is a necessity, what are your suggestions regarding replacing the compressor, conversion of the system from R12, etc etc? I love this classic with it's Rolls chrome grill but if this is one of those things that is going to cost a fortune, I may have to re-evaluate repairing it versus parting with it. Any advice or thoughts about it would be greatly appreciated.
GM Tech on Sat July 30, 2011 4:33 PM
There are kits available to re-seal your compressor-- they are on a popular auction site.
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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......
Airstream on Sat July 30, 2011 4:56 PM 
QuoteOriginally posted by: GM Tech
There are kits available to re-seal your compressor-- they are on a popular auction site.
I'm still learning here, but why did you recommend a re-seal kit instead of a new compressor? (I'm personally done with rebuilds)
Is there a cost factor here because it is a Cadillac compressor?
If nothing else, I'm surprised an '89 vehicle would be capable of offering that message.
Still learning,
Tom
GM Tech on Sat July 30, 2011 5:04 PM
Because I reseal all H-6 compressors---for much less than a new one. the kit is like $12....You own a caddy, they all have that low refrigerant message capability- since mid 80's.....
And yes, caddy owners can afford new compressors-- just thought you were looking for an less expensive alternative.
-------------------------
The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......
TRB on Sat July 30, 2011 6:36 PM
$175.00 for a new import with clutch. Send me an email if interested. Please do not use and sealers in this vehicle or any other. Some will tell you how great they are. We have seen the other side of the story. Plugged systems that require many if not components to be replaced.
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Contact: ACKits.com
DE on Mon August 01, 2011 10:12 AM
I am definitely looking for the least expensive alternative and appreciate your answers. As far as it being a Cadillac , remember we are talking a 1989 poor guys car; not a new car which would be my preferred route if I had the money. I'm just trying to get some A/C back into my old car and use it as long as it still runs great and looks good. I will definitely look for the kit . Can you give me anymore clues as to specifics of what i'm looking for; Is the fact that it is still using R-12 a factor? If I do decide to go the new compressor route, I'm not sure if the use of R-12 is an issue, if it should be converted, if that means i'll need new parts in addition to the compressor? Really appreciate your thoughts as to the least expensive way to get ac back in it. Thanks again.
mk378 on 
Mon August 01, 2011 10:32 AM
Do not convert, the complicated electronic control system is specifically tuned to the properties of R-12 and it simply will not work with R-134a. You can buy new compressors set up for R-12 with mineral oil.
DE on Mon August 01, 2011 10:10 PM
GM Tech- regarding your statement that you reseal all H-6 compressors for much less than a new one- is that something that an auto A/C repair place would typically offer as an alternative to replacing the compressor ?
GM Tech on Mon August 01, 2011 10:24 PM
No- they do not care about saving the customer money-- they will replace compressor- it is much easier for them...they don't have to learn how to do it- or apply the tools they learned in mechanics school....
I make more off a re-seal then a new compressor install.....I do the reseal and avoid compressor costs- and do it for about 1/3 the total amount of a new compressor install..and still make more on the job .
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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......
DE on Tue August 02, 2011 10:01 AM
Dang GM tech, so the chances or finding another "you" here that will do a reseal are probably real slim then. Atleast now that I know it's a possibility, I can atleast ask about it. Thanks again.
JJM on Tue August 02, 2011 10:48 PM
Indeed GM Tech is one of kind. I'd let him work on my vehicles any day... any I'm a picky PITA.
Joe
DE on Mon August 08, 2011 8:16 AM
Thanks mk378 for your recommendation not to convert-I did read that about the electronic interfering somewhere else so I wanted to confirm it since a few places have suggested doing it. I just have to hope that if/when I can get the AC running again that I can continue to find the R-12.
JJM - wouldn't it be great if GM Tech could be cloned. It would be nice to find an A/C guy around here that would be willing to figure out how to save the customer a few bucks and still profit himself on the repair. The a/c guys around here, so far, have offered only one option- a new compressor with a lot of billable hours and when I mention the reseal I get a blank look and a negative nod.
MHardee on Mon August 08, 2011 8:57 AM
Tim:
I've seen you mention this in several emails: "$XXX for a new import with clutch. "... Do you have a different source now? (See my messages posted on another thread).. I have a decisionn to make today on what I have to do to get my daughters's car back running again...
Thanks!
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True Shade Tree
Edited: Mon August 08, 2011 at 8:58 AM by MHardee
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