So, my AC stopped working about a month ago. I took it in and it had a leaking schrader valve. I paid $175 to have the schrader valve replaced and the system recharged. It worked for about a week, but it was cold so I didn't address it. Since it is getting into the low 80s I took it back to the shop. They said that my cycle switch was bad. So to drain the system, replace the switch and recharge the system for $200. Plus they said that my Compressor was bad and that I need a new compressor and orifice tube for $1100. So I paid them their $51 diagnostic fee and said I'll think about it. The cycle switch is $11, does the system have to be drained to replace that? The AC compressor seems pretty straight forward, but where is the orifice tube? I can't imagine paying that much for parts I can do myself. I don't mind paying to have the system recharged however.

 

Unless your delicate, Ac is an unnecessary luxury, Do what I did and pull the whole setup out.

 

I need to have AC when my wife and son are with me.

 

Search youtube for the repair, bet there`s something there

 

I am just wondering if I buy the compressor if there is a certain brand that is better than another.

 

I was going to copy and paste from this thread but then I realized I'm dumb and should just link the whole thread lol!
https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-ge...pressor-89688/
I trust anything and everything captain has to say!

 

Thanks Rex, that was the article I was trying to remember. Now I just need to find out if I can replace the cycle switch without evacuating the system. I am pretty sure that I read somewhere that you don't have to. I can get to the compressor later since mine is "worn" but still working for the time being.

 

Tis the season, once again, for A/C repairs. The clutch cycling switch mounts to the accumulator. There is a shrader valve in the accumulator, so the system does not need to be drained to replace the switch.

The fixed orifice tube is inside the evaporator inlet line connection, directly below the accumulator. After draining the refrigerant, disconnect the fitting, pull the orifice tube out, slide the new one in, reconnect the line, evacuate the system, & recharge. There is an upgrade available. Instead of a fixed orifice tube, (FOT) there is a variable orifice valve, (VOV). Cost is about $25 at most auto parts stores. Greatly improves A/C performance in around town driving.

 

Perfect! My plan is to fix the cycling switch for now. Then sometime this summer have it drained, order a Sanden compressor, new orifice tube and new accumulator. Then have it recharged. I would do that all now but it just isn't in the budget for a while. Thanks again Captain, you have been a big help with all of my issues lately. It is very appreciated.

 

I found this Kit on RockAuto. It is the only Sanden style compressor that they carry. It seems like a really good deal.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...361461&jsn=469