Trying to fix A/C in my 2G Help Please

[19BLACKGST98]

When I purchased my 1997 GSX a few years ago I was told the A/C compressor locked up a couple of weeks before I purchased the car. I am having a new baby in Sept so my wife said if I want to keep the car it has to have working a/c. Yesterday I decided to check it out and I found that the compressor spins freely by hand but there is no belt. Also the idler pulley adjusting bolt is missing (anyone know the size and if I can just replace it with any long both with same threads?). If I spin the idler pulley with it pushed all the way towards the motor it spins freely and continues to spin but if I pull it back a inch or so the pulley rubs and is hard to spin. Is the rubbing part normal and will it no longer rub when everything is tightened up? After I get the idler adjusting bolt should I put a belt on and see what happens or should I wait for the used compressor I just purchased to get here? Any help would be appreciated.... working on the a/c system is intimidating and I cannot find out which section its in when scrolling through the online manual.

EDIT: Quote to get it fixed at a near by shop was $1,100 and I cant even get close to affording that.

Popped the hood of my 98 GST and the pulley adjustment bolt is missing from there as well. Looking at both of them I realized that I am missing the bolt/nut that keeps the pulley in place after it is adjusted (on 97 gsx). Will the auto parts have these or the sizes in their system?

 

[phunny]

Go to another shop, that price is wayyyy outta line.

 

[19BLACKGST98]

Apparently regular shops wont just replace the compressor they will only replace the whole system. What price range should I be looking at?

 

[Spooled420a]

PM me for the parts you need. Ill hook you up.

 

[98Spyder_GS]

Whenever dealing/working with AC, always make sure youre in a clean area with clean rags etc...anything getting into your lines/system will just be a total waste. Thats why good shops charge soo much for AC rebuilds etc ### it takes alot of time to do it right the first time. Even if changing out the compressor, make sure the lines/gaskets/orings are all clean of any type of debris. You dont wanna do this all over again trust me Plus, on clutch operated compressors, you wouldnt know if the pulley is bad until its engaged. Spinning it by hand doesn't really tell you anything as if it were in the "engaged" position. It'll only tell you if it isnt seized shut all together

 

[talon3394]

Its wise to replace all components in the a/c system because moisture can collect in the lines, condenser, evaporator, and compressor and moisture is not good for the a/c system.

 

[19BLACKGST98]

Whenever dealing/working with AC, always make sure youre in a clean area with clean rags etc...anything getting into your lines/system will just be a total waste. Thats why good shops charge soo much for AC rebuilds etc ### it takes alot of time to do it right the first time. Even if changing out the compressor, make sure the lines/gaskets/orings are all clean of any type of debris. You dont wanna do this all over again trust me Plus, on clutch operated compressors, you wouldnt know if the pulley is bad until its engaged. Spinning it by hand doesn't really tell you anything as if it were in the "engaged" position. It'll only tell you if it isnt seized shut all together

Thank you.

Its wise to replace all components in the a/c system because moisture can collect in the lines, condenser, evaporator, and compressor and moisture is not good for the a/c system.

Thats why the shop quoted so high because they will only replace everything. I currently dont have the money or know how/time to do it all. We started 2 a days today so its a busy time and I cant afford to not finish the work in one night.

 

[ICM_MikeLago]

If you still need parts feel free to PM me. I just completely removed the A/C from my 97 GSX yesterday. Everything was working when removed. The only thing I don't have in working shape is the a/c bracket. I cut the bottom of the bracket to keep my intermediate driveshaft supported with both bolts.

 

[Mark4g63t]

I'm about to pull mine. Everything works perfect. pm me if you need anything.

 

[paack]

It is a while since you posted something, so I hope you are done fixing it. but really, everyone ,are you going to rent/buy an evacuator, gauge and two cans of refrigerant after all this, then find out you have a plugged expansion valve, yes after compressor seize you can have that, and have to open it again and do it all over. Don't go to a shop that wants to replace it all. go someplace where they know how to fix/ flush/adjust replace O rings rather than the evaporator, evaporator can be flushed.
Also there should Be no Yaught/ali-money payments coming due soon for the AC tech that you go to.

 

[DSM1G90]

$1100 bucks is just about right since a new compressor is almost 600 bucks.

Plus, they have to retrofit the entire system for R-134A usage - which includes: vacuuming out the entire system of the old R12 fluid, add new seals, drier, and related accessories...and the labor charged to do it all.