I have a compressor that I got and the person said it was working, but I’ve had it sitting in storage for about 3 years. How do I know if the compressor works before putting it on the car. I don’t have a compressor on the car right now, but I really want to put a compressor back in. All the components of A/C are there and untouched. Any suggestions?
were the holes plugged up on the compressor before you stored it?
It can be tough to tell just by inspection, but I suppose you could apply voltage across the clutch terminals to ensure it engages, then open up the ports, turn the pulley and feel for resistance (it should have some, but you should still be able to turn it relatively freely). Listen for rough bearings, check for excessive play, etc. You can also feel and listen for air being pumped out of the ports while you turn it. It won’t be a perfect indication of the health of the compressor, but it should give you some idea. Also spin the pulley with the clutch disengaged and listen for bearing noise.
If the ports were sealed, the compressor was full of oil, and it was stored in a relatively dry place then you might be okay. I would still be concerned that some seals may have dried out though, since the shaft hasn’t turned for some time.
No, the compressor was just sitting in a bag in storage. So, the compressor is probably not good huh?
its not bad to change out…it just that you have to have freon and refridgerant oil in it to test it, if im not mistaken…i dont know if id try it…
Yeah, I’d hate to use the compressor I have and fill it with freon and find out it didn’t work. This a/c is going to be a mission it seems.
as expensive as freon is…id say just get another one and throw it on
since it was in a bag, you might be alright. as long as the bag was clean. if the compressor was drained, you want to pour about a half ounce or so of PAG oil in the suction port and turn the pump. that way you get some oil in there before servicing the system
right on
Agreed, if the bag was clean then it might be okay, and if you make sure there’s oil in it and turn the pump by hand it should help relubricate the seals.
Where was it stored?
In an above storage over a car port parking wrapped in plastic grocery bags. I think I’ll just get a known working compressor to be sure.
you know what? you’re probably better off doing that. if there is a catastrophic failure of the compressor, you’ll have to, at the very least, replace the receiver/dryer as well as the compressor. you don’t want the system becoming contaminated with debris
Yeah, getting a working compressor. Hopefully it works out, found a place that sells Freeze 12 locally too!!!
Ok so there’s Freeze 12 I can get and the oil. How much of refrigerant do I need and how much oil?
The service manual say 2.03-3.38(standard[new])fluid oz’s. not sure if that really helps. If I recall correctly there was just under 1.5lbs of refrigerant. how are you planing on exchanging the freon and oil? do you have acsess to one of those machines? if so then the literature that comes with it might have something regarding those amounts, ohhh and there on the sticker on your hood, if yours is still OEM that is 
So, I only need 1 can of the refrigerant and the oil? I didn’t really understand the manual thoroughly. I was just thinking of having everything ready and letting an A/C place exchange the fluid. Seems a lot of places don’t want to mess with it though. Does anyone know where I can get this done in Los Angeles?
I would add a little bit of oil to the compressor , no more the 5-10 oz, install it and check to ensure that the clutch on it actually engages. from there you can take it to almost any valvoline, grease monkey, oil change spot of your choice. there machine will be able to check to see that it is holding a vacuum and add then appropriate amount of freon if all is working properly.
Is adding the oil and refrigerant done the same way? I am really a noob with a/c as I’ve never had it on any of my DA’s in the past 6-7 years.
NO you pour the oil in the compressor prior to install, then after ALL lines are hooked up and sealed, you take it and have it evacc’ed and filled w freon or r 12.
I will just say, replace reciever drier and your expansion valve and then use oil on all the O rings that are the new ones compatible for whatever freon charge you use.
It is really not that hard, but sounds intitmidating. I did it on mine and it works great now.
Which hole do I pour the oil into in the compressor? So, I guess I should order a new receiver dryer too. I’m going to be using Freeze 12.