Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

hardbody on Sat March 24, 2012 12:16 AM

Year: 1990
Make: Nissan
Model: Sentra
Engine Size: 1.6
Refrigerant Type: R-134

I don't know if it's from getting crappy rebuilt compressors or what but my sentra seems to go thru compressors every year. The last compressor lasted 10 months and started to be noisy before it stopped cooling all together. The last compressor I went cheap and bought a rebuilt one off e-bay for $80 shipped, My guy replaced the drier and expansion valve as we do every time the compressor is replaced. This last time I had him pull everything apart and he flushed all the lines and components with some flush chemical he had. My wife says I'm better off getting the cheap compressors than spending a lot of money on one as she thinks it's cheaper this way, I tried to explain it's not just replacing the compressor, I have to replace the drier and expansion valve, pay to have the parts swapped, and than have it charged. My guy told me when I first started going to him that all the rebuilt compressors are crap. The one's before this last one lasted a full year but not much longer. The compressor I have now is engaging ( the clutch)) so I don't think it would be low on freon it just stopped cooling. I cleaned the condenser also. I spoke to someone on another forum I go to that works for Nissan and asked if the Nissan compressors are new or rebuilt and he says they are new but even at a discounted price it is still like $434. I wouldn't mind spending the money if I knew I would get more than a year out of it. So are the compressors my problem or what?? Anyone can recommend an alternative source besides the dealer that they have had good luck with??

Thanks

mk378 on Sat March 24, 2012 12:30 PM

It may not necessarily be a bad compressor now. There is a large range in charge between what will close the switch and let the compressor run, and the full charge for proper cooling. The operating pressures need to be measured first.

Other reasons for repeat compressor failure would include:
* Wrong type / amount of oil. You have a converted system. The new compressors may be arriving filled with mineral oil on the assumption you will be using R-12.
* Flush chemical residue. Incomplete flushing can be worse than none at all.
* Blocked condenser or remaining debris. Replacing the condenser should be considered. Replacing the evaporator as well should be considered if you're not equipped to flush it properly.

hardbody on Sun March 25, 2012 8:39 PM

I have been thinking of getting the OEM compressor and replacing the condenser and possibly evaporator, at this point I'll replace everything if it will get it to work more than a year. No idea what flush chemical my guy uses. I know the last compressor came pre filled with oil no idea what type. I need to get the car over to him so he can check the pressures as you suggested before doing anything else, thanks