[V8] Losing faith - A/C issues

[kyle leatherwood]

Scott, 

While I agree with just about everything you wrote, I do take issue with your synopsis of buying a used AC compressor.  I visit over 2000 salvage yards a year and see the best of the best and worst of the worse.  For the most part, and I'm not saying all, but the days of the "junk car sitting in a field that parts are pulled off of" are pretty much a thing of the last thanks to the US EPA, which is great for us the consumer.  In a lot of cases, these yards Are similar to a NAPA or other parts store where cars are dismantled, parts are cleaned, tagged and barcoded, and put on shelves in inside warehouses.  In the example of an AC compressor, they usually have their ports plugged and sealed off with the same plastic plugs that new AC compressors come with when you buy them from an Autozone or a NAPA. Those parts sit on a shelf in a box with nothing more than some plastic plugs sealing their insides from the elements, so if removed and stored properly, a good used compressor will see the same storage as a new one using the exact same sealing methods.

While I realized that used parts are not for everyone, I have learned after 7 years in this industry that if you ask questions the salvage yard is happy to answer them.  So ask, do you store your parts indoors or out on the car.  If they say indoors, then chances are you're gonna get a great part at a reasonable price.  Used parts as an industry whole have an effective failure rate of less than 4%, which is information gathered by some of the leading industry associations, and in some cases is less than re manufactured or aftermarket.

Just my 2 cents.

Kyle

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 29, 2013, at 8:07 AM, "Scott Justusson" <qshipq at aol.com> wrote:

> 
> 
> Here's my take, after reading the below, it's plain outdated suggestions in today's world.  First, some of the below write-up is good, and makes several good points.  Pro wrenches 'greed' kinda ruins it, because it's Bernie Benz insulting...   Secondly, the Audi A/C system in the v8 is all GM design.  The compressor for the v8 is one of the most commonly available, and NIB should with searching should get you in the 350 range. That's what the interweb is for.
> 
> Next, the only way to buy a used compressor is from a running car with working A/C.  That would mean yards are not the best place.  Why?  Because yards by law have to recover A/C refrigerant to comply with the EPA mandates on refrigerant pollution.  Some use the ports to do this, most don't, they use a clamp-pierce recovery that takes 20 seconds then leaves a gaping hole..  Which means a yard compressor will sit exposed to the elements, causing it to need a rebuild, btst many times.  
> 
> Lastly, I've read Roger's posts for many years, and usually find them unique, and often entertaining.  I may not always agree with the summaries, but they are always well written, and offer a good read.  What I have gathered over the years, Roger is not a DIY.  So, let's forget about the vacuum pump, the 'greed' of *all* professional wrenches, and give Roger some good advice in the context of his vent.
> 
> I say get educated on the compressor type, and find one.  You might even help your wrench find one, so you can get a warranty from him on the work.  Or find a good A/C conversion outfit (the name escapes me now Roger, but if you are interested, PM me and I will find it) that makes all the adapters and fittings to properly convert you to one of the new 134 hi efficiency rotary compressors.  I've done a couple of these, and they include all the parts you need, including fittings (just not hose itself).  Make sure the shop doing the install is A/C certified, and uses one of the Snap-on or other comprehensive A/C system Charge/Recovery machines.  Fix the A/C so your wife will ride in the car with you this summer.  At the end of the day, good working A/C in a v8 is vital to it's true enjoyment.  Roger, anyone can give you advice on DIY, but if you aren't a DIY guy, you will own a lot of junk compressors, been there seen that.  
> 
> And, lest all of us v8 owners forget, there are pros here, DIY here, and those that just want to be educated consumers.  IMO, there is nothing wrong with being an educated consumer, nor is there anything wrong with using a professional wrench.  IME, there are very few professional wrenches that work on cars for 'greed' for the long term.
> 
> HTH and my .02
> 
> Scott J
> 92 v8
> 91 v8
> 91 200
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Professor GT gmail <CavalloGT at gmail.com>
> To: v8 <v8 at audifans.com>
> Sent: Fri, Jun 28, 2013 11:31 pm
> Subject: [V8] Losing faith - A/C issues
> 
> 
> Roger,
> 
> One of my compressors is actually a Toyota compressor (Nippondenso). I have 
> taken a photo of the ID tag on it for reference, but I haven't taken the time to 
> .....
> 
> Charging the system with a scale to assure the correct amount of refrigerant is 
> added, and just as important, to ensure it is not overfilled, is another 
> important measure. It's the difference between doing a hack job and a 
> professional job. "Paying Customers" deserve nothing less than a truly 
> professional job, but unfortunately "Flat Rate" (Greed) in most cases is 
> diametrically opposed to quality.
> 
> On my particular vehicle I had to repair poor connections at both the high 
> pressure switch located at the bottom of the condenser, and at the ambient temp 
> sensor out in front of the condenser. They both suffered "pin spread" and 
> "fretting", and once good connections were reestablished the system began 
> working properly with no remaining codes.
> 
> I have been enjoying the past two months with cool and dehumidified driving (and 
> clear vision as well - no fogged windows).
> 
> The compressor has been performing well and is not noisy. Life is good!
> 
> Keep us posted on you progress!
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> ProfessorGT
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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