AC compressors: New/rebuilt/manufacturers? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gil · #16 06-15-2007, 10:58 PM

Not sure where I read that bit about the mineral oil, but it was on this board. Will have to check out Diesel's posts. What kind of synthetic oil did you mean? I used regular air conditioning oil after lubing the compressor itself with mineral oil. Again, this was a suggestion from this board.

(Hey, for five years, I ain't complaining.)

PerkHouse · #17 06-19-2007, 11:44 AM

Is this the compressor?
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=201031CP
(Note: It's NEW for $200, not rebuilt.)

And will it fit my '82 300DT?

Gil · #18 06-19-2007, 01:37 PM

...they all look the same, what counts is the manufacturer. If it's not an MB part, I think you're taking your chances. The price isn't bad though; maybe you'll get a few years out of it.

hangit · #19 08-08-2007, 08:57 AM

Has anyone installed one of the Behr A/C compressors? I'm considering ordering one from Autohauz if they are good quality. Thanks for any feedback.

John

rrgrassi · #20 08-08-2007, 10:11 AM

Four Seizens and Murray are owned by Standard Auto. The Murray is a POS as well. Pully bearing gave out right after the warranty. I have a brand new Hodyon (Hancock Ind) installed. I bought it from NAPA for $220. It does have the stepped ports. I used BG Frigiquiet Oil. Cost $10 from the local BG rep. I've had it in for a month now, and so far so good. You can tell when the compressor is running, as it pulls the engine down a bit.

TheDon · #21 08-08-2007, 10:40 AM

New is better.. just get the one rrgrassi purchased...

It is a GM part and the dealership surprisingly has it.. they just want 700$ for one.

rr- where did you get yours from... I need a new one now..butt is too hot

ichbineinekrous · #22 08-08-2007, 11:08 AM

I second the frigi-quiet sythetic. I took mine, after installing all the parts, to an a/c guy so he could pull vacuum and charge it. He couldn't tell if the compressor was engaging just from the sound of it, he kept telling me to turn the a/c off and on and finally he had to look under the cap on the reciever to confirm that the vital fluid were being pushed through the system. Its r-134, and a rebuilt compressor from ******** az plus new expansion valve and dryer. You can get frigi-quiet from dieselgiant or from your local Ford stealership.

rrgrassi · #23 08-08-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

New is better.. just get the one rrgrassi purchased...

It is a GM part and the dealership surprisingly has it.. they just want 700$ for one.

rr- where did you get yours from... I need a new one now..butt is too hot

I got it from NAPA in Wylie Tx. Just beware of the stepped ports. I used ther red and green seals, but had to move the rubber insert from the red and put it in the yellow colored metal holder. The small metal one is for discharge, the large metal is for suction. The red one is for the discharge, so having it stay put is a challenge, so I just changed the metal carriers.

warmblood58 · #24 08-08-2007, 01:55 PM

My rebuilt r4 unit died after two years operation, I just replaced with a new unit purchased for 299.00 from a STAR source . . so far so good. I think the reman units are too questionable -

J

rrgrassi · #25 08-08-2007, 02:21 PM

Get the FrigiQuite from your local BG rep. $10 from BG, or you can pay $40 from Diesel Giant. I opted to save $30.

Jadavis · #26 08-08-2007, 02:23 PM

Well, my 1987 has a compressor that is no longer being manufacturer. My last hope was a Unicla one for $400, but the factory moved last year and they dropped my model when they retooled...

I'm looking at a new Seltec universal model http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=10055121&Category_Code=seltec and having a friend build custom mounts for it. Maybe I'll have him make a few extras and sell them here.

-Jim

Gil · #27 08-08-2007, 03:51 PM

The repair done by the shop, the one detailed earlier in this post, worked fine until the brand new compressor gave out. This was surprising for an MB part, but apparently it can still happen.

The shop put in an MB compressor, pulled a vacuum and put in R12. Less than a month later all the freon leaked out and the compressor started making whining noises when activated. They looked at it and were quickly convinced it was defective.

As I write this, they are repairing it at no cost to me, and the replacement compressor is covered under warranty. Labor is not free though, and they're going to have to eat the cost of the freon too since neither the wholesaler nor MB will warrant anything beyond the replacement cost of the compressor. Kinda sucks for the shop, but they say this doesn't happen very often. I'm just glad it wasn't me who attempted this repair.

Moral of the story, you're probably, but not definitely, better off with a new MB compressor. And a professional installation.

rrgrassi · #28 08-08-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil

Moral of the story, you're probably, but not definitely, better off with a new MB compressor. And a professional installation.

Unless you know how to, or are in a place to, do it yourself.

Plus, the MB compressor is not made by MB, it's a rebadged unit. The Hoydon (Hancock Ind) one I got is a good one as well. If you read the company history, they were contracted by GM in the early 80's to re engineer "a certain" compressor. Hmmmm early 80's = R4.

Gil · #29 08-08-2007, 04:20 PM

Forgot about that - MB didn't make that compressor. Still kinda odd, since if there IS one thing the US manufacturers usually get right, it's air conditioning. That, and automatic transmissions.

rrgrassi · #30 08-08-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil

Forgot about that - MB didn't make that compressor. Still kinda odd, since if there IS one thing the US manufacturers usually get right, it's air conditioning. That, and automatic transmissions.

Unless, of course something is too reliable, like the GM A6. Then it becomes planned wear out or obsolecense. "Can't have those things last too long, or we'll go out of business."

Complacency is also another problem. The Big 3 are now playing catch up. Sad, really. I was one of those "Buy American Only" until I got a hold of my first FORD. That thing was worked on more than drivien. Now, the only American made vehicle I have is the railroad MOW car. I will not by another new car for myself. I like being able to do my own work.

Now we are OT. Back to Topic...

High price does not mean the best out there and Low price does not mean the worst. If unsure, check on this forum or if you know a good indy or a mom and pop auto supply house, they will tell you the stuff they have had the least amount of returned/defective units.