Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

doctorbee on Mon April 08, 2013 1:12 AM

Year: 2002
Make: Chevy
Model: Prizm
Country of Origin: United States

Recently redid my AC system. Got a rebuilt compressor from Amazon and they didn't ask for the core. old compressor was leaking (from the belly seal) and stop leak was put in. Stop leak plugged up the orifice tube but the compressor still worked/works... just leaks and needs a good home. You pay for shipping by giving me a label.




Edited: Wed April 10, 2013 at 12:57 PM by doctorbee

mk378 on Mon April 08, 2013 10:01 AM

Another cautionary tale about stop leak failing to stop the leak, but instead stopping up the system leading to total replacement.

The compressor is pretty much a basket case now, it would have to be completely stripped down and every trace of the stop leak removed. If it didn't have stop leak in it it would have been easy to crack it open and replace the case seal o-ring, GM Tech does them all the time.

AutoCool on Tue April 09, 2013 4:12 AM

Very generous of you doctorbee. A+

doctorbee on Tue April 09, 2013 11:35 AM

no takers? currently a rebuilt one is $230 on Amazon.

NickD on Tue April 09, 2013 12:53 PM

First off, reducing the photo size that can be seen, like this for example:

Quote
Recently redid my AC system. Got a rebuilt compressor from Amazon and
they didn't ask for the core. It was leaking (from the belly seal) and stop leak
was put in. Stop leak plugged up the orifice tube but the compressor still worked/works...
just leaks and needs a good home. You pay for shipping by giving me a label.

Then no need to use your return key so the statement can be read.

I have returned junk to Amazon before, how come you didn't do that? Received
a full refund, including shipping both ways.

I do a leak down test, even with a brand new compressor, plug the output, use
a high quality valve with a pressure gauge. Admit to using air, others will insist
on using nitrogen. Without a pressure gauge, just dip in in a tank of water, this is
nothing new, been doing this for years.

Going through all that work to install a compressor, drawing a deep vacuum, injecting
the correct amount of PAG, then charging it, is a hell of a time to learn you purchased
a leaker. Even R-134a is getting damned expensive and a warranty return doesn't
cover that.

So, is there a lesson to be learned here?

AutoCool on Tue April 09, 2013 2:49 PM

Sounds to me like the lesson is that one mans junk is another mans treasure. The OP is kind enough to offer this compressor for free to whoever might need just a replacement coil or something. Shipping to Sweden kills the deal for me though.

doctorbee on Tue April 09, 2013 6:28 PM

NickD, sorry if I came across unclear. the amazon compressor replaced the one currently offered for free. the amazon compressor is in the car compressing happily. this old one needs new belly seals.

TRB on Tue April 09, 2013 6:41 PM

With stop leak ran in it and issues. I would hope the only thing someone would use this for is the clutch coil.

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Contact: ACKits.com

iceman2555 on Wed April 10, 2013 5:04 PM

From the post, it appears that the "new' compressor is installed on the vehicle and working great....the photo indicates what appears to be an OE compressor. Since you ask for a shipping label, are you trying to sell this old POS or simply giving it away?
Stop leak in your system and enough that it is indicated in the compressor.....can almost guarantee that the recently purchased compressor will not be functioning very long. A restricting in the system will result in a loss of lubricant to the swash plate bearing and the guide rod bearing.....result is an another failed/defective/warranty unit.
Good luck with your repair.

Nick, using air to test is not all that bad....leaks are more easily indicated with an inert gas. When testing in water, add a bit of alcohol to the water. Breaks surface tension and leaks are more easily indicated.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

doctorbee on Thu April 11, 2013 6:26 PM

just giving it away.

everything was flushed before putting it back together.

Edited: Thu April 11, 2013 at 6:27 PM by doctorbee