So, the '96 LeSabre I bought a while back had a bad compressor when I bought it. Money is tight, so I went and bought a used compressor on ebay for $50 and a new accumalator, orifice valve and orings from rockauto. Had a local shop evacuate the system, then I took a weekend and put on the parts. Brought back to shop and had them fill it up, $160 for evac/charge and R134. Worked great the first day, next day, nothing, looked it leaked out. Brought back to shop to check the dye. Only place they could see the dye was around the compressor itself, they said it seemed like it was leaking between the two halves or it had a hairline crack. So now I have to bight the bullit and get a new compressor. Rockauto has a 4Seasons new unit for $200. The question is, do spend another $160 for the shop to fill it, or do use that $160 and buy a pump and gauges and just do it myself. I see these on ebay, I'm sure the pump is not the greatest, but how many times will I use it, less than a dozen I bet. Pump and gauges I figure I could buy that, some cans of R134 for a lot cheaper than the shop is charging and probably save almost a $100. And if for some horrible reason the freon leaks out again, at least I have something to show for the money. I'm already super pissed that I just threw away $160.
Yep, used compressors usually come back to bite you. I'm sorry you learned this the hard way, Zach. The compressor used on your Buick is a notorious "belly leaker", they all seem to do it eventually. The used ones almost always leak. I would suggest avoiding the Four Seasons compressor like the plague, no matter how attractive the price. 4S is the bottom of the barrel for reman compressors and they often don't outlive the warranty period. The Ready-Aire brand is also a 4S product. Their quality control is dismal (unless they have vastly improved in recent yearso No . Sure they have a warranty, but... I would suggest, at minimum, the Factory Air brand. It's carried at Advance Auto Parts in my area($222). They seem to be a better unit than 4S. Also check out this compressor from ACKits.com: http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=01&Category_Code=Buick96LeSabre3-8 It's a very good quality compressor, I've used many of them. As far as the gauges and vacuum pump...well... The gauge set looks pretty good. The venturi type vacuum "pump" however leaves a lot to be desired. They really aren't up to the task for AC work and you need a large constant supply of dry compressed air to even get close to a deep enough vacuum (in microns). It will "work" as far as removing air, but will leave behind a small amount of air and most of any moisture in the system and you need a large compressor to use it. Personally, I wouldn't use one at all. A vacuum pump that will give acceptable results will cost in the $200 range. Here's something to think about if you want to consider buying the tools: Take a look at these DIY starter kits- http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=01&Category_Code=DIY Yep, $300-400 minimum is what you need to spend for tools to properly fix an AC system. With the compressor and misc. parts for your car, you're up to ~$650. That's about what it would cost to have a shop replace your compressor. You really haven't saved a dime yet, right. However, on the NEXT vehicle the tools will pay for themselves. Your investment will be covered by the money you save by not having a shop do any of it. Everything after that is money saved while doing it yourself and doing it right with quality tools. It takes 3 jobs to actually come out ahead. It is a very worthwhile investment if you think you may do a few AC repairs, but not if you only plan to do one or two. If that investment is too much to swallow, you can also rent the correct tools. Auto Zone in my area will rent a manifold gauge set and vacuum pump for a fully refundable deposit. I would recommend buying a gauge set to add to your tool box and just renting the pump, though. Either way, it's better than trying to "save" money by buying a substandard tool like that venturi pump. That's just throwing money away IMHO. Unfortunately AC repair is never "cheap" until you have access to the right tools. Hope this helps BTW, check out the AMA/ACKits forum: www.autoacforum.com. Lots of good info there for new DIYers, especially in the How-To and FAQ section. I'm not affiliated in any way with ACKits or Arizona Mobile Air. I'm just a very satisfied customer and member of the Forum.
Find an "old geeizer" AC shop that won't charge you as much. My shop has given me so many free evac/recharges its great. I've spent a bunch of money at this place though and my system doesn't leak.
