[s-cars] a/c compressors

[Tom Green]

I have some unsolicited information and advice on a/c systems.  I  
hope there
is something useful it.  The July '02 thread on Audifans archives has  
some
historical information and some other stuff about who was on the list  
at that
time with what concerns.  :-)

The <www.compressor-intl.com> site appears to be the only listing  
still active.
Fred (see the department listings for photos) is a good guy to talk  
to for more
information and whether he has any new or rebuilt DCW17b Zexel  
compressors.
Hancock Industries in Abilene, TX was a big outfit, and maybe are  
just not on the
net.  Omega Environmental Technologies in Dallas handled their  
products as well, and
I bought a dryer from them.  Kevin Day and I bought Omega DCW17B or D  
compressors
from Jason Hudson dba icoolu on ebay.  He operated as Artic Air  
Technologies in Broussard,
LA about 3 years ago.  Mine works fine, I haven't asked Kevin.  The  
information available
was that Zexel folded and Omega was the new company emerging from the  
ashes in Japan.
The experience with rebuilt units was mostly negative at that time,  
so we were only looking
for new units.

The importer was Ranshu in Reno, NV (775) 826-1099 but I couldn't get  
much from them
other than the wholesale price was $251 less volume incentives in  
2004.  If you know someone
in the business that can order from them you may make a deal.  I  
guarantee the unit I got from
them is identical to that sold by the many internet parts suppliers  
for about $532.  Jason was
selling them for $315, but I haven't seen anything about him since  
Katrina.  I'm sure Fred at
Compressor International can buy from Ranshu.  Perhaps he will make a  
deal for a quick
sale and $100 profit.  No one needs to be clearing $250 each.

I thought the old system was noisy, so I changed the compressor after  
looking at lots of stuff.  It
made no difference, in fact, it took 3 trips back to get the system  
charged and balanced and
operating as well as before.

I have that 96K  used compressor and another used 95K compressor from  
a spare  S6 engine
available if you go that route.  These were both working fine and are  
definitely cheap.   I will
mention that there is no cheap route unless you DIY.  The labor  
involved to R/R the compressor
and dryer, evacuate and then refill the system with R134a and oil is  
extensive in the total time
involved, with leaks possible and fine tuning of the system fill  
without access to both low and
high side ports.

On the bright side, you are in the D Dawson neighborhood, and he has  
a lot of experience with
the systems.  If I was doing mine I would be looking there for  
help.  :-)

Tom

> -----Bruce Bell wrote-----
> Unfortunately my AC compressor went out and I'm told Audi wants  
> $1300 to
> replace it Hahahaha...no way! Man they have a sick sense of humor. I'm
> hoping I can get a refurbished unit much (very much) cheaper.