A/C Compressor & Condensor

[grasscutter]

2000 Buick LeSabre but 2000 thru 2005 is all the same car.

A/C compressor is clattering pretty loudly with the clutch is engaged to run the A/C.

Vent temperature is down to 86 degrees while it was blowing 41 degrees last week. Ambient temps over 100 for both readings.

Tried adding refrigerant, but it was already well within the green zone which is 35 to 45 whatever those numbers represent.

I think the compressor is toast. It had a pretty good run. I installed it in 2005 shortly after I bought the car.

The replacement compressor was an ACDelco from a local parts house that is no longer in business.

The factory compressor was not making a clattering noise when I replaced it. I replaced it because it was not providing suction they told me.

I was thinking about going with a Bosch unit. I've been very happy with their new alternator.

The plan is to replace all the parts myself and then hire a shop to charge the system.

Which brand of compressor and condenser would you recommend if OEM is not available?

I normally go with RockAuto for expensive parts like that.

 

[Chris142]

Before you do anything inspect the system for metal contamination.

 

[grasscutter]

How do I do that Chris? Check the orifice tube screen for metal?

 

[clinebarger]

OE Compressor might be tough to locate.

Denso part# 471-9185
Valeo part# 815565

Condenser, Orifice tube, Accumulator, Flushing the Evaporator & lines/hoses all needs to be done in my opinion

 

[grasscutter]

OE Compressor might be tough to locate.

Denso part# 471-9185
Valeo part# 815565

Condenser, Orifice tube, Accumulator, Flushing the Evaporator & lines/hoses all needs to be done in my opinion

Valeo is mentioned on the Bosch page for some strange reason.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=18459237&cc=1358018&pt=6628&jsn=1105

Google AI says there's high probability that the Bosch is made by Valeo.

 

[JGmazda]

Before you do anything inspect the system for metal contamination.

^^^ 100% !!! ^^^

 

[JGmazda]

2000 Buick LeSabre but 2000 thru 2005 is all the same car.

A/C compressor is clattering pretty loudly with the clutch is engaged to run the A/C.

Vent temperature is down to 86 degrees while it was blowing 41 degrees last week. Ambient temps over 100 for both readings.

Tried adding refrigerant, but it was already well within the green zone which is 35 to 45 whatever those numbers represent.

I think the compressor is toast. It had a pretty good run. I installed it in 2005 shortly after I bought the car.

The replacement compressor was an ACDelco from a local parts house that is no longer in business.

The factory compressor was not making a clattering noise when I replaced it. I replaced it because it was not providing suction they told me.

I was thinking about going with a Bosch unit. I've been very happy with their new alternator.

The plan is to replace all the parts myself and then hire a shop to charge the system.

Which brand of compressor and condenser would you recommend if OEM is not available?

I normally go with RockAuto for expensive parts like that.

I completed repairing the entire A/C system in my 2001 LeSabre a few years ago. (Long story, but essentially a local shop screwed it up, so I decided to repair myself)

I've had very good luck with the Denso brand compressor. (part# 471-9185). I also replaced the (Drier/accumulator (GP 1411668) and Orifice tube AND condenser.

Without writing an entire page here.... some important suggestions:

1. The entire system must be 100% clean!! You can usually determine this by the condition of the orifice tube.
2. EVERYTHING (All parts) work together in harmony to produce A/C. In other words - You'll kill you system if the entire system isn't addressed. (Clean and functioning.)
3. A/C systems require a complete understanding of the "system". Adding refrigerant isn't like adding "oil or coolant". It's all about pressure etc.
4. The Denso I replaced came with the correct amount of PAG oil in it. However.... I also needed to account for all the other parts I replaced! Adding the correct amount of PAG oil assures a healthy system. Incorrect (Not enough) amounts will drastically shorten (Kill) your compressor. When THAT happens.... your entire system now has debris and junk contamination.

This isn't going to be a quick "slap-on a new compressor" job for you. As I mentioned, an A/C system requires ALL components to be clean and functioning.

I hope this helps. Not trying to discourage here.... just wanted to pass along my experience.

 

[Marcozi]

2000 Buick LeSabre but 2000 thru 2005 is all the same car.

A/C compressor is clattering pretty loudly with the clutch is engaged to run the A/C.

Vent temperature is down to 86 degrees while it was blowing 41 degrees last week. Ambient temps over 100 for both readings.

Tried adding refrigerant, but it was already well within the green zone which is 35 to 45 whatever those numbers represent.

I think the compressor is toast. It had a pretty good run. I installed it in 2005 shortly after I bought the car.

The replacement compressor was an ACDelco from a local parts house that is no longer in business.

The factory compressor was not making a clattering noise when I replaced it. I replaced it because it was not providing suction they told me.

I was thinking about going with a Bosch unit. I've been very happy with their new alternator.

The plan is to replace all the parts myself and then hire a shop to charge the system.

Which brand of compressor and condenser would you recommend if OEM is not available?

I normally go with RockAuto for expensive parts like that.

Sounds (no pun intended) like the clutch is the problem. Why? The temp of the air coming from the vents is 41*. See if the clutch can be adjusted or replaced without opening up the system. Don't add more refrigerant. It's fine now.

 

[grasscutter]

I completed repairing the entire A/C system in my 2001 LeSabre a few years ago. (Long story, but essentially a local shop screwed it up, so I decided to repair myself)

I've had very good luck with the Denso brand compressor. (part# 471-9185). I also replaced the (Drier/accumulator (GP 1411668) and Orifice tube AND condenser.

Without writing an entire page here.... some important suggestions:

1. The entire system must be 100% clean!! You can usually determine this by the condition of the orifice tube.
2. EVERYTHING (All parts) work together in harmony to produce A/C. In other words - You'll kill you system if the entire system isn't addressed. (Clean and functioning.)
3. A/C systems require a complete understanding of the "system". Adding refrigerant isn't like adding "oil or coolant". It's all about pressure etc.
4. The Denso I replaced came with the correct amount of PAG oil in it. However.... I also needed to account for all the other parts I replaced! Adding the correct amount of PAG oil assures a healthy system. Incorrect (Not enough) amounts will drastically shorten (Kill) your compressor. When THAT happens.... your entire system now has debris and junk contamination.

This isn't going to be a quick "slap-on a new compressor" job for you. As I mentioned, an A/C system requires ALL components to be clean and functioning.

I hope this helps. Not trying to discourage here.... just wanted to pass along my experience.

Which brand did you go with for the condenser?

 

[Chris142]

How do I do that Chris? Check the orifice tube screen for metal?

View attachment 350847

Yes!