Fiero V6 keeps blowing A/C compressors while sitting (Page 1/2)
CharginPegasus88 JUL 21, 01:39 PM
Hey all, I'm having issues with getting the A/C working on my 88 Formula. I've replaced the compressor twice now and the second one has failed the same way the first did. I retrofitted the system to R134A using the original compressor, which worked great for a while. Eventually, shaft seal failed on the original compressor, so I replaced it with a remanufactured unit. When I replaced the original compressor, I went through the system, flushed all the lines, flushed the condenser & evaporator, replaced all orings, replaced the drier, and orifice tube. I replaced the pressure sensors on the compressor and the pressure switch on the drier as well. Once everything was in, I vacuumed down the system, charged it with refrigerant, and everything was working great.

My Fiero is not my daily and sometimes will sit for a few weeks (months in the winter, weather depending). When I came back to the car after it had been sitting, it no longer had cold A/C. I went under the car and found that there was dye dripping down the compressor along the joints in the compressor case. There was so much dye you didn't even need the light to see the leak. So I assumed it was a bad reman and the compressor would need to be replaced again. This time, I ordered a new compressor kit (Four Seasons) with an new drier and orifice tube. Also replaced the pressure switches again. I vacuumed down the system, checked for leaks, etc. All good, charged the system, A/C was working great again. It worked awesome for about a month straight, no issues.

Last week, it rained a lot so the car was parked for 6 or 7 days. I jumped in the car yesterday to drive it to work and no A/C at all, compressor wasn't even kicking on. I checked all the connections with a refrigerant detector and U/V light, didn't find any leaks. Finally, I go to the compressor and the same thing; dye dripping down the side of the compressor along the joints of the compressor case!

I know that there is a potential that I just have bad luck and it could be a defective new unit, but it seems weird that 2 units in a row have now failed the same way. This is how I have been replacing the compressor, step by step:

1: evacuate remaining refrigerant from system
2: remove and replace drier & orifice tube (inspect orifice tube for debris when removed)
3: add oil to the compressor, if necessary (total oil in system 8 oz on PAG 150)
4: remove and replace compressor
5: vacuum system for 30-45 minutes (I use and electric vacuum pump)
6: mark manifold gauges and leave car for 15-30 minutes to verify there are no leaks in system
7: start engine, turn A/C to max
8: charge system with 24 oz of R134A (2 cans, additive free) through low side port

I have ordered a NOS Harrison HR6 compressor hoping that OEM may be better than aftermarket. I really don't want to blow up another compressor. It's weird to me that it seems to leak when the car sits vs when the car is actually driven. Am I doing something wrong? Does this issue sound familiar to anyone? Any advice or guidance appreciated.

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1988 Fiero Formula 2.8 intercooled turbo

steve308 JUL 21, 03:11 PM
Reman compressors are problematic if not outright junk. The new unit should solve the issue. I can't remember the r134 amount to add but don't go beyond 85% of R12. Are you using a good set of gauges when you add the 134? If not you should get or borrow a set.
TXGOOD JUL 21, 03:16 PM
Look at the hose assembly which goes into the back of the compressor.
I had the same thing happen and so I removed that assembly and there was a slight crack right where the fitting goes through that block.
You couldn`t see it just looking but when I moved one of the solid hose fittings the crack opened up.
CharginPegasus88 JUL 21, 03:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by steve308:

Reman compressors are problematic if not outright junk. The new unit should solve the issue. I can't remember the r134 amount to add but don't go beyond 85% of R12. Are you using a good set of gauges when you add the 134? If not you should get or borrow a set.



I agree with you on the remans, which is why I thought it was a dud. First replacement was a reman, but the second replacement was a brand new unit from Four Seasons. I was using a set of harbor freight gauges, but came to the conclusion that they were junk (leaked at hose connections, seals would close up under vacuum). I replaced them with a good set of Mastercool brass gauges, which work WAY better. I've used them on my truck A/C as well and they work great. From what I've read, original R12 capacity would be 32 oz, so 24 would be 75%. I'm wondering if maybe I'm putting in too much oil?
CharginPegasus88 JUL 21, 03:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by TXGOOD:

Look at the hose assembly which goes into the back of the compressor.
I had the same thing happen and so I removed that assembly and there was a slight crack right where the fitting goes through that block.
You couldn`t see it just looking but when I moved one of the solid hose fittings the crack opened up.



I'm not seeing oil leaking at the hoses or at the shaft seal. It's coming out of the seams on the side of the compressor itself. When I looked yesterday, I could actually see the oil bubbling out. I'll see if I can take a picture when I get home. I think that part of the compressor is sealed by some big orings in the case. I'll take a close look at the hoses/block when the new compressor comes in, thanks for the info!
CharginPegasus88 JUL 21, 05:08 PM
Here are some photos of the compressor in the car. The end near the pulley and end where the hoses go in are clean and free of oil. The oil seems to be weeping from the seams on the compressor case itself.

[img]http://images.fieroforum.com/userimages/CharginPegasus88/PXL_20 210721_205541968.jpg[/img]
OH10fiero JUL 22, 02:45 PM
The main problem with remanufactured parts is the people who are doing the work are just people looking for a paycheck and the training is limited to just replacing common parts that are the usual culprits on what ever part they are rebuilding. This means if there is another issue with the part it does not get corrected because the person does not know what to look for to identify any potential issues that may soon occur.
RWDPLZ JUL 22, 08:03 PM
At this point I'm pretty sure the reman's are just repainted junkyard compressors.
skywurz JUL 22, 08:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:

At this point I'm pretty sure the reman's are just repainted junkyard compressors.





This actually makes too much sense
Dennis LaGrua JUL 25, 01:03 PM
From my A/C work on cars the cause of a failed compressor can be:
1. A defective reman unit. Very likely
2. Debris in the system/ clogged condenser. Common
3. A severe overcharge of the system. Possible
4. Failing to put in a new orifice tube and a new accumulator. A mistake
Be sure to check high and low side line pressures after the install by referring to the temp vs pressure R-134A chart. I would always recommend using a new A/C compressor.
When recharging use Ester oil then put A/C setting on max cool and also occasionally rev engine while recharging. I additonally use a thermometer at the vent outlets. if you measure around 40*F your there.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "