[JeffSTAR]

I fixed the blower motor issue on my new found and free 280ZX! The factory blower motor relay had died. I popped in a Philips relay I had at the house and everything worked great. Then on to the A/C compressor, which for some reason was beltless. I put the new belt I had bought on the compressor and started her up. Quickly, the noises comming from the A/C compressor explained to me why the first belt had thrown. The A/C compressor was very hard for the engine to turn! The belt was slipping and the engine was barely able to idle. I sprayed some silicon lubricant into the compressor pulley and turned on the system. The system worked for about 10 mintutes, then the compressor caught on fire!!!! I killed the car, watched the belt evaporate and the first subside quick as it began. Now I'm in the need for a new A/C compressor.

Can you guys give me some suggestions on the BEST place to get a new or rebuilt on at a good price? I need a reliable solution, I don't want a 10 dollar compressor that smokes in 4 months and leaks R12

Also, who's done the R134A conversion? I think I'll do this at the time of the compressor swap.

Thanks guys!!!

 

[bakachan]

the compressor when it blew up may have dispersed little bits of
metal or plastic into the system. i would suggest taking the whole system
apart and flushing with lacquer thinner and compressed air.Be carefule with
the evaporator however. take the expansion valve out so that u can flush the evaporator. you dont want to flush crap into the spray holes of the
expansion valve and clog it up.

then go find a used compressor on ebay. rebuilt ones from four seasons
are crap and for god sakes dont convert to r134. thats the fastest way
to kill a used compressor. get some enviro safe refrigerant on ebay also
u dont need a license and dont need a vacuum pump to put the gas in
also u can use the original compressor lubricating oil that the system
was designed for. NOT that crap r134 retrofit oil.

Because you flushed the whole system you know how much oil
to add to the system (per the factory service manual for your zx)
you wont over fill the system with oil and reduce its efficiency
this is another benefit of flushing.. ie to get all the oil out

 

[JJG]

My A/C compressor is frozen up too. I havent used the A/c in about 12 years. I am going to permanently remove it and save the weight.

 

[winoman]

35 lbs!

Took mine off this w-end. Compressor: 20 lbs, mounting bracket: 15 lbs!

steve 77

 

[Lee Smith]

I have a AC compressor I just took off
my 78 [ 100K ] for $50 + ship.
It turns by hand, & suunds like it wants to pump, so I think it is good.
If it don't work you don't own it.
I took it off, because the idler was frose. I was supprised it turned, and sounds good.
To get com. out, after it is loose, on a 78 anyway, turn wheels left or right so tie rod moves and creats larger opening, won't come out with wheels straight.