Broken AC

[murderit]

I'm thinking of buying a 98 R4 for my wife but it's listed as having a broken AC that needs to be "totally repaired". When I asked more about it they said the mechanic said the compressor failed and then leaked freon into the whole system so it's contaminated and needs to be replaced completely and quoted $1800.

This seems fishy to me and I understand the need to change out the compressor and evaporator but "everything else"? Does this make sense to any gear heads with more knowledge than me? Thanks!

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I'm thinking of buying a 98 R4 for my wife but it's listed as having a broken AC that needs to be "totally repaired". When I asked more about it they said the mechanic said the compressor failed and then leaked freon into the whole system so it's contaminated and needs to be replaced completely and quoted $1800.

This seems fishy to me and I understand the need to change out the compressor and evaporator but "everything else"? Does this make sense to any gear heads with more knowledge than me? Thanks!

This makes no sense. Freon is whats in the system to begin with. When an AC system is compromised, it's usually moisture that gets in when air enters the system. Chances are not everything needs to be replaced. At a minimum, the compressor and the receiver dryer would need to be replaced (assuming the compressor is actually bad. Now if the evaporator is bad that certainly is the most difficult thing to fix and will certainly be the most expensive part to replace. If the seller thinks thats the price then let them think it. It only works in your favor. The decision you have to make is if you want to deal with the problem after buying it.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I'm thinking of buying a 98 R4 for my wife but it's listed as having a broken AC that needs to be "totally repaired". When I asked more about it they said the mechanic said the compressor failed and then leaked freon into the whole system so it's contaminated and needs to be replaced completely and quoted $1800.

This seems fishy to me and I understand the need to change out the compressor and evaporator but "everything else"? Does this make sense to any gear heads with more knowledge than me? Thanks!

If the compressor fails, it can send metal pieces through the system so if you just replace the compressor, the metal pieces will come to bite you later on. That sounds a little high. Honestly, replacing the A/C system is not hard to do on these trucks. Here is what you need:

1) Compressor with clutch
2) Condenser
3) Expansion valve - in the dash next to evap core
4) OEM seals for every connection you undo (like 10). They are standard size for almost any Toyota.
5) Drier
6) Freon
7) A/C flush solution

You shouldn't need a new evap core, just flush it and you should be good to go.

I would only get Denso parts (try RockAuto.com). OEM seals from the dealership. The parts sometimes come as a kit, not sure if our trucks have a kit available.

I just replaced the entire A/C system in my brother's TSX and it took 2 hours to do everything. Saved him $800. You can save yourself a ton of money if you research how to evac and charge the system. There is another tread that is helpful to know how to charge it correctly.

 

[MN4runnerman]

Make sure you read the warranty information though. Most companies, Denso included, won't accept a defect unit unless you can prove(receipt) that you purchased a "kit" which is the orifice tube, expansion valve, A/C flush, and the drier. I've seen people just buy a compressor and go to replace their old one then figure out they have a defect and are unable to return it. RockAuto has 4seasons kits to make it easy or you have to piece it together if you want Denso.

 

[jhfleet]

This makes no sense. Freon is whats in the system to begin with. When an AC system is compromised, it's usually moisture that gets in when air enters the system. Chances are not everything needs to be replaced. At a minimum, the compressor and the receiver dryer would need to be replaced (assuming the compressor is actually bad. Now if the evaporator is bad that certainly is the most difficult thing to fix and will certainly be the most expensive part to replace. If the seller thinks thats the price then let them think it. It only works in your favor. The decision you have to make is if you want to deal with the problem after buying it.

Evaporators are easy to replace on a Gen-3 and new aftermarket evap and expansion valve (which is no more labor to replace) can be bought for a hundred bucks or so. Takes no more than a couple hours of labor if you DIY.

 

[murderit]

Awesome! Thanks guys for all the input. I made them an offer but we will see if they take it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nissanh]

Even if the compressor is trash the debries has to be trapped inside the filter. So just get the filter and a good used compressor.

This is how you test a used compressor:
Close the pressure (high) line with your thumb. Now, turn the compressor (not the pulley) about 90 degrees. You should experience a very high pressure at your thumb. If you make a one full turn, your finger cannot hold the pressure.

My toyota car has 260K miles and the AC is still factory R-12 and ice cold! These compressors don't fail easily as there is nothing to service until it dies with its age.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

You will want to follow the manufacturers recommendation of the compressor to keep your warranty. For example, if you don't change the expansion valve when you change the compressor, it voids the warranty on the new one. At least with the Four Seasons brand.

The standard procedure for fixing an A/C system after failure of the compressor is to replace everything but the lines and the core, as long as you flush them good. I can almost guarantee that if you just change the compressor, you will end up with issues later.