Author Topic: AC Compressor (Read 1876 times)

outtllaw · « **on:** July 10, 2005, 11:05:06 pm »

I have a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, the problem is that for the pass few months a choking sound has been comming from the engin area, I took it to a mechanic amd he told me that the Ac compressor is on its way-out. He also told me that because it is connected to the drive-belt that I should change it ASAP, because it disintegrate and cause damage to the car. Is that true? Or can I just drive it and not use the AC.

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2005, 12:12:01 am »

Or can I just drive it and not use the AC

That's what I do. With the AC turned off the compressor will not engage and the drive pulley should just spin freely. I have never seen a compressor drive pulley seize when the compressor clutch is disengaged.

Most likely your system has a leak and the compressor is underlubed when turned on.

tpl · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2005, 05:45:28 am »

Is the Alero a car that automatically turns on the compressor on defrost? If so that not using the AC is only temporary!

Indeed if the drive belt breaks and it also drives other components such as water pump and alternator you will at the least be stuck at the side of the road, at worst a fried engine.

exserviceguy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2005, 07:28:35 am »

Better yet Tpl, name a vehicle where the AC compressor doesn't cycle on with defrost or defrost/floor setting. The power lead to the compressor clutch is a simple 2 line connector that easily disconnects. Just pull this plug off at the compressor and secure it away from the other pulleys and belt.

articsteve · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2005, 11:12:52 am »

name a vehicle where the AC compressor doesn't cycle on with defrost or defrost/floor setting

88 Cherokee, 87 Porsche 924S, 95 BMW 525, 95 Saab 900S

2002 Honda does cycle

tpl · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2005, 05:28:25 pm »

EX and Artic. I couldnt name one that does or doesnt. I dont think my BMW does ...it may do.. but it does NOT turn the green light on.

My 87 golf gti was the first car I had that turned on the compressor. My 81 SAAB turbo did not.

Anyway... good advice to just pull the plug

outtllaw · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2005, 06:51:37 pm »

So if the AC is off the compressor clutch wont engage and seize. Right? cause the only time i hear this sound is when I use the AC, and the cost for a compressor is $700 new and $490 rebuilt and I cant justify spending that much on a compressor that I will only use for only two months out of the year.

exserviceguy · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2005, 09:24:33 pm »

There is no guarantee that your AC compressor won't suffer a seizure of the clutch pulley, (even if disengaged). And your AC system, (when working), works 12 months of the year. In spring and fall months, high sunload days and spiking temps can make the use of the AC desirable. In the cold of winter, the AC system's ability to control humidity improves windshield defrosting and can lessen the impact of humidity on electronic components and wiring inside the car.

barrie1 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2005, 11:31:33 pm »

Exservice guy is right as I think you are better off having it work then not. It does more then just keep you cool in the summer as it is part of your defroster as well.

articsteve · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2005, 12:04:04 am »

So if the AC is off the compressor clutch wont engage and seize. Right?

Essentially. If you see any wires running to the compressor either pull the fitting where they join or cut them just to make absolutely sure. But you can check that now. With AC off, if you have that option, turn controls to full defrost. Does the compressor engage? If so terminate the compressor electical connection at the compressor. In a GM the wire will be just dangling there.

There is no guarantee that your AC compressor won't suffer a seizure of the clutch pulley, (even if disengaged).

You have a better chance of been stuck by lightning in the next day than your compressor drive pulley seizing.

Exservice guy is right as I think you are better off having it work then not

Great advice if it was free. It might be the compressor making noise because it has no fluid. You could have numerous leaks in the entire system. No offense but you've got a GM quality AC system

With tax you could easily spend 3K on the system and it might break again next year. You are wise. You know when to throw in the towel.

I just lost the AC in my Porsche. I knew last summer that it was probably going to lose all it's fluid. Sure enough I turned it on last week and the compressor started to squeal. I can convert the system myself for about $150. in parts and I get free fills but I won't bother because it saps too much power from the 4 banger. In this car the AC and AC fan and controls is an entirely seperate unit from the regular fan/heater/defrost system. Just lovely.

I hope you have a sunroof. That is why sunroof's are essential as cars get older; to use as a back up to the failed AC system.

barrie1 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2005, 02:02:28 am »

I am sure you can get the system fixed a lot cheaper then that as you won't be replacing that many parts. They will recyle the current R134 and replace the compressor in less then 4 hours. Your system still works but is in need of a repair which I believe by doing will help keep the value of your car higher as well. Shop around on the labour rate as it will save you money to do so.

articsteve · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2005, 03:03:56 am »

I am sure you can get the system fixed a lot cheaper then that as you won't be replacing that many parts

How can you say that?

He took it to a machanic that told him "He also told me that because it is connected to the drive-belt that I should change it ASAP, because it disintegrate and cause damage to the car.

What a load of BS that was. The mechanic was just doing a number on Outllaw. "the cost for a compressor is $700 new and $490 rebuilt"

Good grief, the car is barely worth that. There are hundreds of used compressors in Ontario alone all for about $100. Anything GM (Malibu, Grand Am, Alero) that is off a 3.4 or a 3.1 so it appears.

Besides as the poster knows an Alero is a major GM POS and once the "compressor" was replaced then low and behold it would be the evaporator, condensor, the dryer and a zillion other little
parts all of which are GM sourced.

On this vehicle particularily the best move is to save the money and look forward to the day GM is replaced by manufactures that don't produce Aleros.

barrie1 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2005, 12:19:17 pm »

I think you should work on more GM's to really learn what they are all about before you slag their products. If this poster had said this vehicle was a pos then that would be different but they didn't. Many owners of GM products have had very good service from their products including myself. I got 14 years out of my 1st compressor on my Seville alone so I am one of the many as well. Not everybody has problems with GM's at all. Other brands have air conditioning problems as well so GM is not the exception. If there is lots of compressors sitting around for $100.00 then thats a far cry from the $3000. you stated isen't it now.

articsteve · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2005, 06:13:58 pm »

If this poster had said this vehicle was a pos then that would be different but they didn't

Read his profile.

His Alero is a 2000 model do many of the parts would have been sourced in 98 and 99 which is probably the time GM was making it's worse vehicles. At that time GM was really dishing out major crapo. I think their quality is probably better in 2005 but that is probably to late since they are losing market share on a daily basis plus going broke.

If there is lots of compressors sitting around for $100.00 then thats a far cry from the $3000. you stated isen't it now.

Nice try Barrie; always distorting the facts. Outlaw was quoted $700. plus tax I assume for a new one while literally hundreds are sitting in wrecking yards @$100. The reason being is that so many 2000 model GMs are already wrecked probably because of blown motors due to the bad head gaskets that went on for years.

I've had 2 late 70's GMs (rear drivers) and numerous early 80's Chevy 1/2 and 3/4 tons. But around the mid 80's GM started to produce sime real crap and so I had no choice but to bail.

If it's not 0% percent financing, gas cards and now employee pricing, GM can't sell their stuff. Too bad.

Wait till Outlaw loses his fuel pump or fuel sender. He will flip at the cost of GMs ridiculous intergrated system.

outtllaw · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2005, 09:46:04 pm »

I got a used compressor for $150, and labour cost was about $160. The system seems to be working fine now. Thanks for your input guys

Man its hot in this b!t#h

articsteve · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2005, 10:03:59 pm »

$160 is very good with a refill. Was that under the table?

barrie1 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 13, 2005, 12:31:26 am »

Now that sounds like a fair price to me to have 5 year old cars airconditioning replaced. A total of $310.00 and we have a Happy Outlaw. This brings the value and enjoyment level of this car back up more then that in a heat wave.