Although it is near freezing here, I would like to get my Air Conditioning fixed before summer. I had a shop evaluate the problem last summer and they said it needed a new compressor, but didn't want to work on it... Any guidance on how difficult it would be to get the parts and replace the compressor? Or any recommendations on a qualified shop in Houston who does this type of work?

 

>> moving to regional section.

 

I wish I could tell ya where to try, I haven't ran A/C in my FC in nearly 10 years.

 

Rebuilt compressors can be found for cheap on ebay.
Make sure that you get the correct one. They vary based on of the AC was installed at the dealer or was "depot" installed. The lines in and out are different. One type has both lines held to the compressor with a single bolt and the other has separate bolts for each line.

Compressor is held to the bracket by four long bolts. It is easy to change if you pull the power steering pump. If there is still freon in you system then you need to find a shop that will pump it out before you pull the compressor. I have no experience with convertion of an FC to an alternative coolant as my AC mechanic can still get R12 ($$). Search the 2nd gen form for info on the conversion.

 

It's not that hard to do if they've narrowed down the problem for you. Everything bolts on and off. Don't reuse the (green) o-rings, O'Reilly will have a the ones you need. Also, if you have some room on your credit card, O'Reilly will loan you a vacuum pump (they charge your card for the pump, then refund when it's returned). Once the new compressor's on, you draw a vacuum down as close to -30 as you can get it, then put in the amount of new coolant and oil the mfg recommends. If you must get R12, Freeze12 works fine and is available without a license. My '87 was already setup for R134a. You should be able to tell by the fittings, if not the underhood sticker.

 

If you need a mechanic to do it just drop by Mazmax's old location, Pat is still working out of that shop.