The A/C compressor on my 97 Civic EX locked up. Do you think I can save a few hundred dollars if I do some of the work? I'll take it to an A/C shop to have them evacuate the system, then remove the compressor and receiver drier myself - at home, and then bring it back to the shop to have them install a new compressor and receiver drier, and then recharge the system? Do you think they would give me a warranty? Or should I buy and install the parts myself and just have them recharge it?

Thanks,

Brian

 

They often blow parts out the side of the compressor, if you have that there's no need to recover refrigerant as it's already gone. The condenser should also be replaced as it's likely to have bits of compressor in it now and it's generally impossible to clean. You won't get a warranty unless the shop does the whole job from start to finish. Don't leave the lines disconnected any longer than you have to.

 

Thanks. Since the failure occurred about 8-9 months ago, if the refrigerant did leak out, are there any "more" damage parts (tubing, etc.) that should be replaced in addition to the ones previously mentioned?

Thanks,

Brian

 

If it's been sitting open for months, the oil in the lines will be contaminated with water. (PAG A/C oil is a synthetic substance that mixes freely with water sort of like brake fluid does). The evaporator and lines should be removed and flushed out with solvent using a flushing machine. Replacing the evaporator and expansion valve instead is also worth considering. Note that unlike most cars, it is rather simple to remove the evaporator as the dash does not need to be taken apart.