Operation A/c

[espey_16]

Re: Operation A/c

Sorry, off topic but what's that other switch for on the dash? The one on the pass side of "camaro". My car only has the fog light switch then there's a plug then the "camaro"

[Tom Rs]

Re: Operation A/c

Its a "sgs" switch. it was for the old motor ad trans. basically starts you off in 2nd gear for traction in snow and crap

[Tom Rs]

Re: Operation A/c

Operation complete. Got the system evac and filled today for $125 and we now have cold air

[truekoa]

Re: Operation A/c

damn, 125 for evac and charge? is that the normal price and I'm just tripping?

[techsan23]

Re: Operation A/c

Thats a little high but still reasonable. You would spend at least $85 here.

[Tom Rs]

Re: Operation A/c

well i do live in ny where everything is a lot but yea i was thinking 125 was a lot too. It took 1.8lbs of stuff.

[ssms5411]

Re: Operation A/c

Its so dry and hot here, you just need yo wait for summer and then use a charge kit and your done for $55. I did mine in the garage.

[Tom Rs]

Re: Operation A/c

i'm curious how car a/c systems are constantly breaking, leaking, needing re-charge however my 1980 j c penny window airconditioner works great

[bigbrian442]

Re: Operation A/c

Car A/C systems operate in a much harsher environment then stationary units. With the car A/C the speed of the compressor is constantly changing. Vibration is coming from everywhere. The refrigerant pressures are up and down as the car sits in traffic and starts moving again.

[IceHammer]

Re: Operation A/c

I agree its a more difficult environment for the compressor, however, thats really not a good excuse. I've owned two 94 f-bodies and now a 2000. The compressors the use have always been too small for a car with a glass roof and highly angled windshield and hatchback.

In addition to being undersized, all of mine have leaked.

Its a poor design because it can't perform reliably and it doesn't stand up to the conditions the engineers knew it was going to live in.

[Rob Bell]

Re: Operation A/c

At least with compressors, the main problem is the front seal always gives out around 10 years of age. It just dries out and then allows leakage. That seems to be the weak point with most automotive AC units, is that the compressor is belt-driven, and has to have that seal. On a home AC unit, all plumbing is brazed together and the compressor is hermetically sealed inside its case. So, they hardly ever leak or go out.

Most people don't keep their cars for more than 6-7 years anyway so they don't experience the problems we see. I think we see these kinds of issues because we keep our cars longer, or are willing to take on older cars because we can get in there and fix them. How many people do you know that can't even change their oil or a flat tire?

[ssms5411]

Re: Operation A/c

Your right about 6-7 years needing replaced. I have had my car about 16 years and have had 2-3 compressors on it , replaced free under the GM lifetime warranty.

[IceHammer]

Re: Operation A/c

Most people don't keep their cars for more than 6-7 years anyway so they don't experience the problems we see. I think we see these kinds of issues because we keep our cars longer, or are willing to take on older cars because we can get in there and fix them. How many people do you know that can't even change their oil or a flat tire?

Very true. I'm always amazed when people buy a new car over a used one, so much more expense for so little extra value. That equation definitely changes when you end up spending $1000s extra over the life of a used car on oil changes and minor repairs done at a shop vs. a mechanically inclined person spending $100s for parts alone.

Your right about 6-7 years needing replaced. I have had my car about 16 years and have had 2-3 compressors on it , replaced free under the GM lifetime warranty.

Whats this warranty business?

[Inverted]

Re: Operation A/c

I am curious about this lifetime warranty as well.

[kristen]

Re: Operation A/c

fun!!!i will be doing the same project to my car when i have time!