A/C quit a couple weeks ago. I knew I was low on freon and decided now was a good time to replace the high side (old muffler) hose. So, I replaced the hose last week, new O-rings, new drier and am ready to recharge (it's completely empty of refrigerant) the system. Then, I thought how do I know if the compressor hasn't frozen or quit. Before I spend the $$ to vacuum and recharge, can anyone tell me how I can determine whether the compressor is shot or not? If it is, then I won't vacuum and recharge. If I have to replace the compressor, I'll go the extra mile and put in the 134a convert kit and recharge with 134a. Thanks!

The compressor has a clutch. If it is engaged, (turned on) and you can turn the compressor than it is not frozen. The probability like Richlink wrote to you, than if it was good 2 weeks ago, than it is still good today. Good luck Gabe

Hello,

Odds are if it was working 2-3 weeks ago and you knew you had a leak (that's the only way refrig. gets low) the compressor is still good. A/C compressors are not succeptible to failure, except where in my case the shop didn't evac the system properly and the reaction bewteen the refrig. and the trace air ate the seals on my old one. Don Foster did a wonderful post on this early this week, so a search should turn up his take on A/C systems. My best advice to you is to have the shop do a "step" recharge cycle where the system is evac'd, charged a little, run and then evac'd again. Repeat this a couple of times and this should remove any leftover moisture or crud in the system.

Happy Bricking!!!

Richard

87 245 DL 349,000 km
82 242 GLT 121,000 km

http://members.cardomain.com/richink