My newly acquired Blazer (35K original miles) completely shut down while driving home from an errand. After some quick process of elimination it was the AC Compressor stalling the engine out. This was the first time I used the AC. This truck sat for 5 years, only driven a few hundred miles per year.

So I assumed the clutch was seized up. Turned off the AC and made it home. Several squits of WD40 on the clutch head (gap) and the compressor began to run and cycle again, but was emitting a very loud chatter.

So I'm going to replace the compressor. Called the local Chevy dealer and they wanted $750.00. Napa wanted $165.00 and saw units on RockAuto for $150-$225. I understand some manufacturers require you to replace other AC parts to obtain their warranty???


Any recommendations please?

Also should I replace any other components?

 

Look for Christine's thread on changing her compressor. She went with a Sandin unit which is a bit different from the OEM.

the reason they ask you to change the other parts is so the compressor isn't deadheading against a plugged condenser but really to avoid warranty liability.

 

When I did mine I went with an AC Delco compressor and had good luck with it. Also replace the accumulator/dryer and the orifice tube.

George

 

2001ZR2 thanks for the complement! I like to think I am paying things forward when I post a write-up that I hope could be of use to others.

I can say that the AC system has been working well since the repairs. I had to replace the low-pressure switch a couple weeks ago. I would recommend changing it out too while you are at it.

Here is the link to the write-up I did: https://blazerforum.com/forum/2nd-ge...ent-kit-97066/

 

Great, thanks to all. It's seems pricing varies quite a bit for the compressor. Rockauto seems to a preference but I've had some bad luck with wrong parts being delivered, then paying a fortune to return them.

Any other good sources, I used to use the local NAPA, but they were bought out and the service is awful now.

Christine, I've seen numerous posts from you regarding documenting your repairs, invaluable and you are a great asset to the forum.

 

If compressor was locked up, then system needs thoroughly flushed of debris from the old compressor or it will take out the new one. Also, typically the dryer and orifice tube is replaced and the correct amount of the correct refrigerant oil is added. This is a job for a shop with A/C equipment and experience. Make sure you get a warranty. Nice truck. Looks like your dealer is right in the middle of the sample costs below for Chevy Silverado (should be about the same). Be glad you don't have a Toyota.

Sample AC Compressor Repair Costs

We’ve compiled a list of common costs for both parts and labor for some of the most popular car models in the country. While the actual cost will vary from place to place, these should give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay to have your AC compressor replaced.

Model, Labor, Parts, Total

Ford F-Series $197 – $251 $335 – $513 $532 – $764

Chevrolet Silverado $126 – $161 $499 – $715 $625 – $876

Ford Focus $213 – $271 $309 – $448 $522 – $719

Toyota Camry $213 – $271 $706 – $2199 $919 – $2470

Toyota Corolla $173 – $221 $579 – $2465 $752 – $2686

Nissan Altima $157 – $201 $540 – $657 $697 – $858

Honda CR-V $205 – $261 $512 – $587 $717 – $848

Honda Civic $291 – $372 $571 – $658 $862 – $1030

Honda Accord $165 – $211 $577 – $775 $742 – $986

Ford Fusion $181 – $231 $195 – $339 $376 – $570

 

Great, thanks very much!

 

From what I have learned, the HT6 design (a genuine one) is prone to leaking with the big o-ring sealing the two big halves (and so it was mine), so I've decided to make an exception and get the replacement one. Eventually I've ordered CO 4261C. And so far - knock on wood - it's working fine the second season, especially these extreme hot days we're having nowadays. It is not equipped with the pressure switch (LP as far as I remember),so I had to shunt the plug.

 

I would concur that if the compressor failed for any reason then it can be likely that there is contamination from worn-out vanes etc. that would be through-out the system. When I learned of this and how modern condensers have such small openings that they are not flushable, I decided to change out everything except for the evaporator which is flushable in place.

In my case, I had thought I had had a leak of my refrigerant but actually the vanes of the compressor were worn down and plugged the orifice tube. I did have some oil under the compressor (the OEM two-piece design) that I suspect was related to the failure.

 

Just wanted to post an update on my AC issue.

Took it to my long-time, trusted mechanic and he said the compressor was junk. He replaced the following components....

Take-out AC compressor with lifetime warranty $110.00
AC pressure switch $22.94
Accumulator $41.76
AC o-ring set $17.00
Flush Solvent $23.54
AC Orifice Tube $5.14
R134A $23.50
Flush and install parts (labor) $323.00
Shop Supplies $17.01

Total $583.89

He said it took 2 hours to flush all the "junk" out of the system!

It blew ice cold on the way home and then one day after the repair, no AC. He is back from vacation on Tuesday so hopefully I can get it repaired. Hopefully it sounds like a leak somewhere in the system..