A/c Problems

[supertech1979]

Hello again guys,

 

I have no A/C in my 1997 GMC K1500 5.0 Vortech truck. You can turn it on and I think I feel the compressor pull down the motor but the air is still hot. I remember my mech checking into it a few years back and saying he tried to charge it but that it did not fix the problem. I also remember him saying whatever it was that was not working properly would cost around $700. Maybe a leak and that's why it would not hold a charge. What would cost around $700?. With what symptoms I have described, where should I start to diagnose this problem?. Can some one give me a run through of where I need to start and where I need to finish. Any help will be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Nathan

[edman]

My compressor's clutch is faulty which caused a similar problem for a while. It would seem like it half engaged because you'd hear the engine idle up under the load but no cold air. Occasionally it would firmly engage and I would get cold air. Either way, to answer your question I took it to a shop and they said they could replace the compressor assembly (and I suppose it comes with a new clutch?) for about $700. I said no thanks and now drive with the wind in my hair. I live in Kansas though, so it's not like I'd die without anyway.

[Mike G]

They will need to go in and evac the current system, even though it may feel empty. Then they will add a dye and charge it up to see where it is leaking. Once complete, they will evac the system again, fix the broken components and then recharge your system. Chances are your old compressor may be the leak culpret, and there are a few O-rings that always need replacing too. You could be luck and its just a bad line, but then how much life would your old compressor have?? $700 is pretty much a blanket fee, mine tossed the compressor and my guy told me $500. It all depends on what it boils down to.

--Mike