Ac compressor

Went to have my ac system hooked to a machine and the shop told me I needed a new compressor and drier evap need to know what all I need to get because I'm not spending 1800 at the shop when rock auto has the compressor for under 300$ which is better than 800$

 

The process is not that simple. You have to evacuate the system. Replace the hard to access compressor and hope it doesn't leak. Then vacuum + recharge the system.

So if you are going to pay a shop to evac, then you install your own compressor, then have a shop recharge the system it gets complicated. They aren't going to stand behind the work since you are installing the compressor. Also you need to add freon oil to a new compressor, the correct amount. Good luck, maybe shop around for a better deal to have a shop do the entire job.

 

Since you don't know what to get you don't have tools or experience to do the work

You can learn if you have a skilled friend who can assist who has skills and tools.

Otherwise, pay the pro. You might find better estimates if you shop a bit.

 

Depends how the compressor failed, if it failed internally and sent metal through the system then at a minimum the Condenser & Expansion Valve must be replaced and evaporator & lines thoroughly flushed (and in some cases replaced) in addition to replacing the compressor or the new compressor will fail in short order.

This is why many shops will quote the whole system for a compressor failure that isn't just a leaking seal, because of the high probability of metal in the system with a compressor mechanical failure.

If your compressor is just leaking you can probably get by with just replacing the compressor but if it locked up or is no longer pumping refrigerant odds are it has contaminated the system, either way the oil should be drained from it, measured, and examined for metal before just replacing the compressor.

 

Like others have said... if you or a friend is handy you could replace the compressor, condenser and expansion valve, pull a vacuum and recharge and hope for the best. Assuming you have the tools to do so. Amazon sells vacuum kits for around 120$. Its a bit of a gamble though. The compressor on these trucks isn't too difficult to replace so there is that. (just R&R'd mine to replace my accessory belt tensioner)

 

Compressor, Condenser that has the filter drier built in, Expansion Valve and don't forget the Inline filter.

 

Well being that I replaced the compressor clutch myself on the truck I'm pretty handy I tear engines and do full rebuilds myself for a living. My main concern is I don't want to order the wrong parts for the ac system or order some parts and not have all that is needed to complete the job.

 

The shop told me the compressor was not holding pressure and had about a 1/4 lb of R134A in the compressor. And was then told the whole system will need to be replaced.

 

That is very good I information is that all that I will need

 

Seems sketchy.

Refrigerant is measured at the system level, not 'in the compressor'.

The system not holding pressure combined with a claim of low refrigerant describes a leak.

Your replacement clutch still engages and the compressor turns, correct? Or does the low pressure switch keep it shut off?

It's hard to be diagnosis confident across the internet with complex systems like this. But if your shop didn't try a recharge with tracer dye and / or a sniffer test, I'd be inclined to seek a second opinion.

 

Man I thought the exact same thing, I purchased a brand new clutch assembly kit from my buddy that works for toyota in myrtle Beach at his cost so a pretty good price, and the clutch will engage then it will go off, so I'm wondering if it is something else other than "not" holding pressure. When the ac button is on and blower running on 2 speed it blows out warm air. The ac light will flash for a few seconds and then it will go to solid. I think I want to have toyota diagnose it and see what they say. I am taking the truck to the dealer on Tuesday for routine service and their complete inspection over the whole truck.

 

Well I couldn't say if that is all you need. But if the compressor is toasted you will have debris all through the system. Minimum would be compressor, Condenser dryer assembly, expansion valve, line filters. Have the lines flushed and cleaned of debris, all new seals and o-rings and possibly new flex lines. If you are lucky you may get away with using the old evaporator core (dash removal to replace the core). Then the PAG oil and R134A.

I'm not an AC Guru, but if mine grenades I'll just pay someone that is an expert to do it right with a warranty.

Good luck!