Year: 2002
Make: Subaru
Model: Outback
Engine Size: 2.5
Refrigerant Type: R-134
Ambient Temp: 72
Pressure Low: 15
Pressure High: 160
Country of Origin: United States
Picked up this car at a good price since AC was not working (according to seller). They had an estimate from Midas saying bad compressor, etc. I checked static pressure at around 100 psi (engine not fully cool). I tried running it for a for a few minutes and compressor does engage, pressures about 15 psi low and 150-160 high at 70 degree ambient. Vent temperature down to 42-43 F before it would cycle and low pressure line from evap was cold/sweating so I know it is at least partially working. No strange noises while compressor is running.... WTF?
Today while under the hood for other reasons. I tried rotating the compressor by hand. It turned with little effort and was making a definite metallic noise as I was turning it. Noise was coming from the compressor for sure and almost felt like a bad bearing. I checked my other cars and found that as I suspected a compressor on a properly working system has a fair amount of resistance to rotation by hand. Shop manual says it is a vane type compressor. How can this compressor be generating any pressure? I suspect it isn't a good idea to run the system again... I realize compressor replacement is in my future but I'm curious about this behavior...
vane type compressors do not have the same about of resistance as other types when turning by hand. I would agree with you to a certain point. If the compressor is not making noise when engine and a/c is running I would not think it has a problem. Listen to it with a stethoscope or a long screwdriver held against your ear while it is running. If it is still quiet I would run it.
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