Time to make my '96 Roadmaster Wagon cool again!

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by 81X11, Nov 1, 2017.

  1. 81X11

    81X11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,174
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    261
    Wagon Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Round Rock Texas
    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!
    [​IMG]

    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!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    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
     
    ModelT1 likes this.
  2. JimRockford

    JimRockford Member

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2013
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Wagon Garage:
    1
    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 .
     
  3. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2014
    Messages:
    14,984
    Likes Received:
    2,993
    Trophy Points:
    720
    Location:
    New Braunfels, TX
    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.
     
  4. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2009
    Messages:
    16,676
    Likes Received:
    4,769
    Trophy Points:
    848
    Location:
    Yakima Washington
    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.
     
    ModelT1 and 81X11 like this.
  5. 81X11

    81X11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,174
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    261
    Wagon Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Round Rock Texas
    Ha! Welcome to Texas!

    [​IMG]
     
    Grizz likes this.
  6. OrthmannJ

    OrthmannJ Always looking for old ford crew cabs

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2009
    Messages:
    16,676
    Likes Received:
    4,769
    Trophy Points:
    848
    Location:
    Yakima Washington
    Nice.

    Sounds like a tropical vacation.
     
    81X11 likes this.
  7. KevinVarnes

    KevinVarnes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2010
    Messages:
    3,151
    Likes Received:
    354
    Trophy Points:
    210
    Wagon Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Grand Rapids, MI
    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.
     
  8. JimRockford

    JimRockford Member

    Joined:
    Dec 25, 2013
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Wagon Garage:
    1
    hardly even covers the jacked up shipping from rock,
     
  9. 81X11

    81X11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,174
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    261
    Wagon Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Round Rock Texas
    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!

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Stay Cool Folks!

    -Mike
     
    ModelT1 and Thirsty islander like this.
  10. Thirsty islander

    Thirsty islander Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2012
    Messages:
    490
    Likes Received:
    116
    Trophy Points:
    102
    Location:
    Windsor, Ontario, Canada
    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.
     
    ModelT1 and 81X11 like this.
  11. 81X11

    81X11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,174
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    261
    Wagon Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Round Rock Texas
    The really hid that compressor down in a hole under the motor on these. Such fun!
     
  12. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

    Joined:
    May 18, 2011
    Messages:
    22,123
    Likes Received:
    1,439
    Trophy Points:
    808
    Wagon Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Central Illinois
    Question? Where's the HEAT setting on my 2014 Impala?:cry::cussing::cry:
     
  13. 81X11

    81X11 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2011
    Messages:
    4,174
    Likes Received:
    542
    Trophy Points:
    261
    Wagon Garage:
    2
    Location:
    Round Rock Texas
    I know nothing about heat settings.... I'm fine with that too... ;)
     
    ModelT1 likes this.
  14. KevinVarnes

    KevinVarnes Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2010
    Messages:
    3,151
    Likes Received:
    354
    Trophy Points:
    210
    Wagon Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Grand Rapids, MI
    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.
     
    ModelT1 likes this.
  15. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

    Joined:
    May 18, 2011
    Messages:
    22,123
    Likes Received:
    1,439
    Trophy Points:
    808
    Wagon Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Central Illinois
    Kevin, I'll bet you also know where the HEAT setting is when needed in your own little world!
     

Share This Page