Time to make my '96 Roadmaster Wagon cool again!

So the a/c died the other day on the Roadmaster wagon. Compressor still comes on, no leaks to be seen. Put gauges on it and full pressure...the SHAFT inside the compressor broke! Ha! New one on me!


Thank Goodness I had a Rock Auto discount number I've been saving. Got a new compressor, but it's not a Delco, so we'll see how it works. Wanted the Delco but this was new and a great price. Fingers crossed!







That original compressor lasted 130K miles and through 21-years of Texas Heat...I'm not really even mad...it made it all this summer too, and it had a LONG hard life!

-Texas Mike

 

Dont forget to shop around on amazon and check out codes for discounts online to advance, usually find stuff with the discount is 20-25 sometimes even 30 % off and is in stock, , I find few things rock auto can beat the price on .

 

Those R-1 "swage plate" variable displacement compressors do have a history of failing internally, but usually the swage plate separates from the shaft. It's a bigger problem for the R134a units, as the refrigerant has higher pressures at any given ambient temp versus R12, so the system takes a slightly harder beating.

 

It's so funny how regional differences can affect frame of mind. Where I am it's already cold with snow forecast for Sunday.
Right now working A/C is the furthest thing from my mind. I just have to remember to plug my truck in at night so it's nice and toasty warm when I drive to work in the morning.

Good luck with the repairs Mike. I hope it's an easy fix.

 

Ha! Welcome to Texas!

 

Nice.

Sounds like a tropical vacation.

 

You serious Clark? I can sometimes get close to RockAuto pricing if I can find a good Advance discount code, but oftentimes not. I have noticed Advance is also getting stingier with their discount codes and changes them around a lot more often. I was using the same 30% off code for probably a year. Now they change every week.

If you need a RockAuto code just google RockAuto discount code. They always have an active 5% off if you search for a code.

 

hardly even covers the jacked up shipping from rock,

 

OK we're cool again! Blowing ice cubes, which is good because it hit 90-degrees today here in Round Rock! Even for Texas this is crazy weather! Not complaining!








Stay Cool Folks!

-Mike

 

Nice job mike!!! I did my Cadillac comfort control this spring. Old air products in Texas and rock auto supplement everything. I got a vacuum pump and rim eBay along with the refrigerant. Took it all apart and flushed it all out. I got quoted $7500 to rebuild it. Cost me about 1500 and I know it's done right and new again.

 

The really hid that compressor down in a hole under the motor on these. Such fun!

 

Question? Where's the HEAT setting on my 2014 Impala?

 

I know nothing about heat settings.... I'm fine with that too...

 

Looks like they hid that thing under there pretty well. I guess I am just used to seeing the A/C compressor right on top on SBC's. Either way, nice work. Always nice to repair a system yourself than pay a shop an unbelievable amount to work on it.

We must live in different parts of the world. Unless I am getting something in a really large box or multiple sets of rotors/drum my shipping is rarely more than $20. Then again I also pay close attention to make sure all of the parts I order ship from the same warehouse if possible. Here is a common example of how the prices stack up on a job I am working on. Moog front wheel bearing for a 2004 Explorer. I can get it shipped to my door in 1-2 days from RockAuto for $113 ($110 for the part, +$8 for shipping, -$5 for discount code). The same Moog front wheel bearing at Advance retails for $226. Even with a discount code (25% is the best I can find right now) and no shipping I am still at a tick over $180 (including tax) out the door.

That is pretty typical for parts of that type. Most the time I don't even bother cross shopping anymore since I know it will be a waste of time and I work pretty hard to get the best price for people when I am working on their car.

 

Kevin, I'll bet you also know where the HEAT setting is when needed in your own little world!