Is an AC compressor a DIY job?

[KevinO]

I had a mechanic check my non-working AC and he determined that the compressor was receiving power, the fuses are good and the system has a good refrigerant charge. He determined that the issue was the compressor and I noticed that it never kicks-on.

So I am wondering if this is a DIY job? What are the pros and cons? I know it would probably need to be evacuated but is that pretty cheap to have done and then I do the rest?

Any good how-to videos or tutorials out there for this job?

Thanks all!

Kevin

[trb]

Is if the compressor for sure or maybe just the compressor clutch? The compressor will not kick in if the clutch is not working, or if it will not engage for some reason. It has an electromagnet that clamps the two parts of the clutch together and lets the pulley turn the compressor shaft. Can you turn the compressor by itself either by hand or by using a socket & ratchet on the center bolt? That will let you know if the compressor is seized or not.

There should be plenty of videos on youtube showing you how to check to see if the clutch is bad or not.

If the compressor is indeed bad, meaning it will not turn by hand, then it will need to be evacuated and probably flushed if the compressor had issues because it can create metal particles in the lines, which will damage a new compressor. Actually changing the compressor is not too bad, but then it has to be evacuated again, checked for leaks, and then recharged. It can certainly be done, and Autozone and other places rent out the equipment to evacuate and recharge the system. Again, there are plenty of videos on how to do it.

[joatmon]

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=37869" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has info on how to test the compressor clutch and if the clutch is bad, how to replace it.

I replaced the clutch on my compressor, if the whole compressor had been bad, I'd have taken it somewhere

[Salsa Guy]

It's a only a DIY if you have gauges, vacuum pump and then you'll need a new receiver dryer and Freon. I won't take it on. Clutch Replacement yes I would but only if I didn't break any lines open.

[Chiadog]

Easy DIY, that is if you get a local car repair shop to evacuate the system before you replace the compressor, and then re-charge it when you are done! that is what I have done. Be sure to get a new dryer and filter or you likely won't get a compressor warranty.
But as stated above - your compressor may be fine, sounds like the compressor's clutch is your problem!

[KevinO]

Thanks for the replies.