A/C Compressor Check?

[stagen]

I was contemplating if I should keep or ditch my a/c system while I have my car torn apart. Im unsure if the compressor is still ok tho. Is there any way to check/test it without being on the motor and running? Possibly a dealer can check it out?

And if I do still plan on putting the A/C back in what all do I need to do to switch the system over to the newer refrigerant, the 13a or something like that?

 

[SlickPyro]

I don't have any helpful tips about the compressor but if you would like to update the refrigerant you would be looking at doing what is called an R12 to R 134a retrofit. You have to, or should be, careful with R12 as it is harmful to the environment if it is leaked out. I would try searching google with something like "r12 to r 134a retrofit" and read up on it. Or just take the a/c out, more horsepower!

 

[stagen]

Everythings out of the car, had to rebuild the motor. The A/C wasnt even charged to begin with since it appeared this was a replacement motor anyway ('90 motor in a '91) I like the idea of more hp but Im also wanting a daily driver too. The heat hasn't even been that bad yet but its still been a pain. I plan on getting the windows tinted to help keep the heat out a bit sometime down the road. Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[fatherbubble]

Most likely its the compressor you can get them for 200 - 300 new 4season is the best aftermarket to get. When you get one you need to replace the condenser with it, they're 45 bucks. If you think its not the compressor you might want to make or find a fitting for the ac pipes and close them off and try and put air pressure on it to see if you have a small leak in the system. If no leak is there then the compressor is bad. Don't let people tell you to rebuild the compressor since its cheaper to buy a new one than fix the old one.