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How can you tell if an AC compressor is ok to run?

M-train on Fri August 31, 2012 2:53 PM User is offline

Year: 88
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang GT
Engine Size: 5.0l
Refrigerant Type: R12
Country of Origin: United States

I just bought this compressor off of a guy on the internet who said it was from a working AC setup.

Anyway, the plan was to just rebuild it, but I turned the pump, and everything moved fine, no metal in the old oil, and the clutch still engages when +12 is applied.

If I didn't have to buy the all of the specialty tools to rebuild it then I would just do that, but I'm trying to save a buck.

TRB on Fri August 31, 2012 7:48 PM User is offlineView users profile

Place your thumb over the suction port and spin the hub. If you get some suction you have a chance that it will work. All the other tests I know of to test a compressor require some equipment.

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M-train on Sat September 01, 2012 2:15 PM User is offline

Thanks! That's good enough for me.

Leggie on Mon September 03, 2012 11:02 PM User is offline

The V5 compressor I bought under the same circumstance passed the finger test. It even built up pressure and blew the protective plastic cap off the filter drier when I turned it by hand with the condenser hooked up but the expansion valve end of receiver still covered.

It turned smooth, shaft held vacuum, it looked nice and shiny.

When it was charged and operated the high never went over 125 and it didn't cool. and low was ok around 25psi.

I was pulling my hair out. New TXV, filter drier proper charge.....
Finally I replaced the compressor again with a brand new one and all works fine now. Had to re-replace the filter drier obviously.

If it doesn't work the first time, you're looking for several trips to the A/C shop for recover and recharge.

NickD on Tue September 04, 2012 6:59 AM User is offline

43 bucks for just a master cylinder rubber repair kit, 39 bucks for a brand new OE. 60 bucks for two new boots for a half axle, rebuilt half axle with two new boots on it, 48 bucks.

A couple hundred bucks for a new for rebuilt AC compressor, if you add up the parts needed to rebuild one, could easily hit over 5000 bucks. Then you have no warranty. If you price out just a clutch kit, might as well add a couple of bucks and get the new compressor with it.

I use ebay for buying stuff like a brand new OE cell phone battery sealed in a package for five bucks with free shipping when my cell phone company wants 35 bucks for the same exact battery. But totally ignore any automotive parts.

Sounds like you purchased something you don't know anything about, if you did, wouldn't be asking this question. If your compressor sounds like a walnut cracking machine, you may have problems.

M-train on Sun September 09, 2012 2:53 PM User is offline

NickD said, "Sounds like you purchased something you don't know anything about, if you did, wouldn't be asking this question. If your compressor sounds like a walnut cracking machine, you may have problems. "

You gotta love these internet sages like this. They love to tell people they can't do this or that. If I had listened to this guy I would never have.

1: Built a house
2: Built an engine
3. Built a carb
4. Built a rear end
5. Built a tranny
6. Learned to paint a car.

I hate to have to give a resume as to what I can, and can't do just to ask a question to let guys like this know I'm qualified, and competent enough to do the job.

Do you really think you need 5k in parts, and tools to rebuild an AC compressor? If you do then YOU don't need to be on this board.

Thanks to the guys who actually tried to help.

Edited: Tue September 11, 2012 at 5:54 PM by M-train

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