That compressor has an oil sump. Most of the oil stays inside the compressor. There is a bolt on the side of it that allows you to drain and fill it.
DO NOT put a rebuilt compressor on it. They are all junk regardless of which company rebuilt it. Buy a brand new one. They don't cost much if you search around. Maybe rock auto?
The only "new" on I've found on Rockauto lists the brand as Sanden but that it is from "various manufacturers". Which likely means it is rebuilt and listed wrong. The pictured compressor also has different fittings than mine, whereas the pictured reman has the correct fittings.
The SD708 was used as a refit to replace some really terrible compressors fitted to 1980s Japanese cars like Diesel Keiki. A sudden blow out of all the refrigerant is not likely from an o-ring, more likely the relief valve popped due to over pressure. The condenser fan system is highly suspect.
You'd be correct! After the blowout, I found that my condensor fan had been disabled by the previous owner by crudely slicing the power cable. It runs all the time, which means he probably didn't want to figure out why it was doing that and fix it properly, instead opting to cut the cable. I've fixed the cable, but that combined with what seems like a R134 conversion (which I believe produces higher pressures on previously R12 systems) probably is what caused it. I'll investigate the relief valve. Does that change my "new compressor" prognosis?
This. Even a cheap off brand new one would be better. I've used Compressor Works ones made in Korea, and so far,so good.
They don't have a listing for my particular compressor, but thank you. I will investigate different part stores near me to see what they have available too.
SD708 is still available out there just google it.
It has also many clones.
I've found some listings for reman / clones, but they (like the "new" Rockauto listing) have incorrect fittings. I assume this compressor came with different styles - mine is one bolt holding down a single flange that captures both the hoses, with o-ring grooves machined into the compressor side of the flange.
That's a very common compressor in 1980s and 1990s vehicles, though the fittings vary depending on application. It does not have a sump so it very likely was damaged due to the oil being lost when the refrigerant blew out. You'll want to flush the system out and replace the expansion valve and drier in the event that any metal shards got into the AC system.
I installed a new UAC compressor in my Saab 9000 back in 2013. As I recall at the time it cost around $125. It is a Chinese clone of the Sanden compressor and has worked fine all this time. I checked the UAC catalog though and all they offer for your car is a remanufactured Sanden. There may be other Asian-made brands that will fit.
I'll be flushing the system anyways, and I'd intended on replacing the easily replaceable parts already as insurance. I'll be extra sure to inspect for any metal fragments. Thank you for checking the catalog for me, I'll be calling some parts places near me for quotes in case they have new ones.
Out of curiosity, why is it that all the rebuilt compressors are bad?
Thank you everyone for your input, I really appreciate the help. This is probably the only part of cars that I have never actually touched or worked on, so this whole system is new to me.
