A/C compressor R&R time?

[nonhog]

I know a few members are techs and I was curious what flat rate time is on a comp. R&R.
I best factor all the O-rings, Schrader valves, receiver/dryer, anything else?
I may pay to have it done but am on the fence.

Thanks in advance

[AstroWill]

This information is available from virtually every local library(in my experience), using Chilton Library. Most even allow access from home, some you don't even have to login ;)

The Air Force link used to work for pretty much everyone, seems they have changed it.

[TurnNburn]

ProDemand flat rate for compressor is 1.8. Add .4 for filter. .5 for the dryer. 1.4 for evac and recharge. And then who knows how much more for o rings. that's just going to depend on how many you try and tackle.

[AstroWill]

Oh, and don't forget the orifice.

[nonhog]

Thanks T&B that helps a lot.
I suppose since I tackled a steering gear box (twice) I could do a compressor. Now do I want to?
Speaking of O-rings I know I just read on here somewhere (probably more than once IIRC) that its a good idea to do all the O-rings. My concern is that possibly opening a can of worms? Or just good insurance. Sure don't want to half *** it. The tech at my shop says don't bother but he is use to Toyota's.

[nonhog]

Thanks AW,
I am searching for "kits" like one member used from Rock Auto. My year they don't seem to have. Amazon has a kit that is not as complete but might be a way to go. I'll be searching now.

[TurnNburn]

As far as o rings are concerned, I just replace the ones that are involved with whatever I am doing. like if I replace a hose/line, I install new o rings on that hose and if I replace the condenser I replace the o rings on that hoses that go to it. Simply replacing ALL o rings just cause is over kill IMO.

The compressor SHOULD come with new o rings, and the dryer SHOULD come with new o rings.

[97cargocrawler]

I have rebuilt a few systems now and I feel it's definitely worth the extra time and trouble to do all of the o-rings. It does open a can of worms but only if you're not at the proper skill level to tackle the job. Disconnecting all the lines at once gives a great opportunity to flush each line separately and gives peace of mind knowing that all those connections are sealed with new oiled o-rings.

Make sure you flush with filter/drier can removed. If there's a "muffler" can be sure you empty all the flush from it.

I have bought the "kits" but I always make sure to have a large assortment of HNBR O-Rings handy just in case the kit falls short.

I also wouldn't bother rebuilding a compressor. For $200 it's worth replacing.

Don't forget to buy PAG oil, preferably with dye.

Any tech who says "don't bother" has become too accustomed to looking forward to future business. When I repair something I expect to never touch it again.

[nonhog]

Cargo, some good points however I cant disagree more with you on "any tech" statement. I've been at a dealership for 31 years in service and in parts (now)
I know most tech do not want come backs. Not worth the hassle. So if they have a suggestion its usually because of experience.

[97cargocrawler]

Don't bother replacing aged rubber parts in a pressurized system?! OK. Makes sense to some I guess. I was just trying to point you in the direction of an overhaul, not a spot repair. Seems you know what you're doing.

[TurnNburn]

I never said "don't bother", all I said was that it was over kill to replace them all. And since your the king of over kill on this site, I am not surprised you disagree with me.

Its simply depends on how much he wants to dig into it. I wasn't talking him into or out of an overhaul, and if he wants to go further then by all means.

The point I was trying to make is, at the very minimum, don't reuse o rings and if something comes apart to be replaced, then you should also replace the rings.

[nonhog]

CC you missed my point. I wasn't making a statement on weather I would or wouldn't replace O-rings that is a decision I will ponder. My point was your painting all techs that don't follow your thoughts as looking forward to more business as BS. That's all. I did also say you had good points.

Moving on....

[97cargocrawler]

And since your the king of over kill on this site, I am not surprised you disagree with me.

I'm gonna add that to my list of aliases.

[WinnieVan]

As far as o rings are concerned, I just replace the ones that are involved with whatever I am doing. like if I replace a hose/line, I install new o rings on that hose and if I replace the condenser I replace the o rings on that hoses that go to it. Simply replacing ALL o rings just cause is over kill IMO.

The compressor SHOULD come with new o rings, and the dryer SHOULD come with new o rings.

While I expect my mechanic to do a job right, I also like a mechanic who knows I don't have infinitely deep pockets and that the costs of doing some repairs simply might outstrip the benefits for the average consumer. Now, I know leaving some things un-repaired leaves the possibility of a come-back repair but if the probability of that come-back is like 1% and the additional work is hundreds of dollars, it probably makes economic sense to leave it alone for the average consumer.

I really like to overkill things too, but that's mostly when I have either time or money. Most people don't have much of either.

[WimpTech]

And since your the king of over kill on this site, I am not surprised you disagree with me.

I'm gonna add that to my list of aliases.

It's the only one on there now! I liked all the other ones too... made me feel... welcomed.

[nonhog]

Looking at this.... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0100 ... _qh_dp_hza

Thoughts?

[Mmusicman]

There's no right or wrong here.

It sounds like a "good option" to to preventatively overhaul the system while it is apart getting a new compressor. But certainly many mechanics will just replace the bad part, as they are paid and expected to do. I suppose they "could" offer the overhaul option and let you choose.

I've replaced many compressors in my life and never changed all the rest of the o-rings. But I absolutely change the orifice tube and dryer, so that covers some of the other o-rings anyway.

Your level of preventative maintenance is up to you!

Physically swapping the compressor on a Gen 2 is fairly easy. The other time will be spent changing the other parts, and vacuuming down and charging the system.