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Would appreciate some experienced advice

stanpits on Fri June 13, 2008 8:31 AM User is offline

Year: 1996
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Silverado
Engine Size: 5.7

I have a 1996 Silverado. Three years ago I took my truck to an A/C place for a recharge since my air wasn't very cool. I was informed that there was a hairline crack in my compressor and that my coolant was leaking out. It was in a spot that couldn't be repaired. I could not afford their price to replace it at that time and they offered to just try some type of a sealant and charge my system, they said it would last the rest of the summer but that was all. This was my personal truck and I have been driving a work truck for years so I put it off. Now I am driving my personal truck primarily and would like to take care of this matter. To keep my costs down I have been looking at purchasing a new/reman. compressor. I would like to do as much of the work as I can. My question is: what all should be replaced and how much should (or can) I do before taking it to someone. I have been reading through some of the prior posts and I am not sure what all applies to my situation. I can do most light mechanic tasks and more with the right advice. Thank you in advance for any and all advice.

GM Tech on Fri June 13, 2008 8:53 AM User is offline

Your compressor is known for "belly Leakers" - does it look like the one below?? There is not a crack- just corrosion that has climbed inside the sealing surfaces- Replacement of the compressor is the best fix-- although I have seen some use Salvage yard units--if you buy one of of a later model you may avoid the "belly leaker" for a few years. This site sells the drop in units that may fit your needs- so there are several options for you.

My solution to it- is to re-seal the compressor- I take it completely apart and clean all sealing surfaces and install new o-rings- and put it back together- have been doing this for a few years now- with no comebacks- takes about an hour of benchwork- but saves the owners about $500 in the long run.

Do a forum search for "belly Leaker" see results like the link below....

Belly Leaker Thread

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

NickD on Fri June 13, 2008 9:18 AM User is offline

Could have been prevented if GM used a more corrosion resistant alloy, you find those in throwaway pop cans by the way, anodized the aluminum, or even slapped on some zinc chromate primer and splashed some paint on it. But hey, it made it through the warranty period. Weren't you suppose to trade this in right before the warranty period expired?

Ha, buying a vehicle is your second most important investment, but I feel on this assessment, your first investment is flushing your money down the toilet.

stanpits on Fri June 13, 2008 11:03 AM User is offline

I would like to try to rebuild the compressor. Can I get the O-rings and all the parts at my local auto parts store? Is it as easy as: take compressor off, take it apart, clean,rebuild with new parts, put back together and put back on? If so ,after that, can I then just charge the system?

GM Tech on Fri June 13, 2008 2:02 PM User is offline

I probably made it sound too easy-- I have a special toolbox with about a dozen specialized tools to take GM compressors apart and put them back together- sometimes I lead folks on too much.. make it sound too easy- I also have been doing this for 20 yrs and in the summer months- average about 5 re-seals per week - so I've made all the mistakes and learned all the tricks - I really doubt someone who wants to do just their own would find it worthwhile to buy all the tools and try it on their own...

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

stanpits on Fri June 13, 2008 3:18 PM User is offline

I thought it sounded too good. Back to my original question, from my situation I described should I shop for a compressor only or do I need several parts. After replacing the necessary parts should I take it to someone or can I do the charging myself? I have access to some charging equipment, or is this more complicated than what I'm thinking. Do I need my system evacuated and flushed etc.... Thanks again

Chick on Fri June 13, 2008 4:10 PM User is offlineView users profile

check out these replacement compressors for the HT6. I used the Seltec on my own truck, and it works flawlessly. You should pull and check the O tube, just because the system will be empty, and I suggest getting the accumulator two. Flush won't be necessary, unless the O tube shows a lot of debris, or the oil in the system looks black etc.. Pull a deep vacuum and recharge to factory specs and you're done.. Of course check the fan clutch for wear, high head pressures will result along with poor cooling in traffic if it's worn..Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

stanpits on Fri June 13, 2008 4:53 PM User is offline

Thank you, I will let you know how it turns out.

Dougflas on Fri June 13, 2008 11:30 PM User is offline

I'd be careful how you service this particular system. I noticed that you said they put sealer in the system. That is a major "NO-NO". Do a search in the procedures section ref. sealers.

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