Can I change the air con compressor myself?

[Jaf]

Hi guys. The air con on Fred has a leak. The German mechanic who re-gassed it for me won't use the leak seal stuff. So I'm looking for a new air con compressor, either recon or maybe new. Once I have a new one can I change it myself? It's not the spannering it's the chemicals I'm wondering about. Of course there won't be much gas left but I don't want to freeze my hands off!

Thanks!

[citronut]

it will be ok if you get the system evacuated first, then re/pressurized once you have fitted the replacement pump

[spider]

As above you do need it empty first. Home evac is not a brilliant idea, not to mention the environment concern.

If you plan on leaving it disconnected plug the lines up as you don't want too much moisture getting in or you'd end up having to get a receiver / dryer bottle as well.

[Jaf]

Thanks guys. Sounds like it's a no go then cos of the evac side of things.

Having looked at the prices online ( I can't find a Spanish recon place so am having to order from the UK), a new compressor is around £300, recon ones don't seem to be stocked anymore. So am thinking now of getting a second hand one (around £50) and then reconditioning it myself. And then taking the recon unit to the garage to be fitted and re-gassed. Anyone taken a compressor apart?

[citronut]

in the UK there are company's doing a mobile air con service
all you need to do is arrange them to come and evacuate the system then re/gas once you have fitted the compressor

[Hotrodelectric]

in the UK there are company's doing a mobile air con service
all you need to do is arrange them to come and evacuate the system then re/gas once you have fitted the compressor

But wouldn't the Chunnel charges put paid to any savings?

At 300 quid, that's actually not too bad for a new compressor. I had to have the one done on my Ford Taurus done a few years back. R&R the compressor and the hose assembly- $1500.00.

I take it you've also shopped around in Germany, France, Netherlands and Belgium?