Has Anyone Repaired an AC Unit?

[scoobert]

so my big AC is basically dead.
the compressor runs for a while, stumbles, and locks up.
when i called the AC place they told me $700 for a replacement pump !!!!????
i can buy a massive window ac unit for about $300 complete, with pump, fans, condenser, evap, dryer, cage.
so why are marine AC compressors so costly?
has anyone gotten one replaced with a household replacement compressor?

[Dave852]

You are paying for their knowledge as well as insurance, tools, and numerous other costs of getting that compressor from the distributors shelf to properly installed in your boat. Don't take for granted than it will be done properly though, the crappy company's charge for their services as well. Ask around before hiring anyone. Of course you can always buy a window unit.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by Dave852

You are paying for their knowledge as well as insurance, tools, and numerous other costs of getting that compressor from the distributors shelf to properly installed in your boat. Don't take for granted than it will be done properly though, the crappy company's charge for their services as well. Ask around before hiring anyone. Of course you can always buy a window unit.

the price was for part ONLY. not install.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by scoobert

the price was for part ONLY. not install.

They dn't manufacture the part, just resell it to you with an enormous profit. You could check it out and order direct from compinent distributor.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

They dn't manufacture the part, just resell it to you with an enormous profit. You could check it out and order direct from compinent distributor.

i called the manufacture, they recommended this place in LI, saying they do not sell direct.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by scoobert

i called the manufacture, they recommended this place in LI, saying they do not sell direct.

Component distributor, they sell every brand and type of compressor, valve, dryer, condenser, evaporator etc. Manufacturers must stand behind their direct customers.

[scoobert]

so who do i call? or i could get a used unit for $500...

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by scoobert

so who do i call? or i could get a used unit for $500...

There is this shop in Colon, Panama, where I am that I know. I know another one in Santiago, Republica Dominica. For where you are, may be the yellow pages, Google, Angie's List, Yelp etc. can help you find one. Rparts.com was one but is not what it once was.

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by scoobert

so my big AC is basically dead.
the compressor runs for a while, stumbles, and locks up.
when i called the AC place they told me $700 for a replacement pump !!!!????

Replacement pump or compressor? Not sure what you mean by stumbles and locks up.

If the compressor stops, is it getting power? I have not done any work on ACs which must be similar to fridges. Fridges have a starting relay, probably ACs have them also. My point, it might not be the compressor unless its making noise, tripping an overload protection device, heating up, leaking and other things. Are you sure the thing locks up??? That could be many things including bearings which means it needs to be replaced.

Others in the thread recommend that you search out a new something but if its a compressor, I doubt finding and purchasing one will be your answer. Do you own or can you borrow a vacuum pump? Do you know what type refrigerant is needed? If the AC is relatively new, most likely it is R134a. Do you have or can you easily get the refrigerant along with piercing bullets to vacuum and refill the system? How about gages along with knowing how much refrigerant to install?

Generally speaking, this is not a job for a novice.

[Hudson Force]

If you've been advised that you need a pump, would this be the pump for heat exchange water? If so, your compresor is probably stopping by it's overheat protection. We've found that the March pumps are best for longevity and durability.

[scoobert]

The water pump">raw water pump is brand new. The compressor locks up and kicks the breaker after about 15 min of running.

[perchance]

I can't say I know much about refrigeration but was wondering if you are getting liquid refrigerant through the hot gas side causing it to lock up. Slugging I think is the term used.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by perchance

I can't say I know much about refrigeration but was wondering if you are getting liquid refrigerant through the hot gas side causing it to lock up. Slugging I think is the term used.

How may i know this?

[sailorchic34]

Me I'd buy a gauge set and maybe a vacuum pump and see what the pressures were when it tripped out. Does sort of sound like a locked rotor/bad bearing which would trip the breaker. But could be high head pressure doing it too.

I might, being a poor sailor chick, look for a cheap window ac and pull the compressor in that. That is assuming its about the same size, braze that puppy in with a filter dryer, pull a vacuum on it for a bit and charge it up,assuming its 134A or whatever the refrigerant of the day is.

But I'm crazy that way...

aftermarket compressors are wretchedly expensive. Only a few companies actually make the compressors so they have a nice control on profit.

Disclaimer: Refrigerant can be deadly, as in stop your heart deadly. Be sure to read up on everything, including the refrigerant MSDS, before attempting to fix or modify refrigeration equipment. Mishandling refrigerant can kill.

I'm an engineer. Don't do what I do, unless you know how. Its not all that difficult repair wise, but you do need to know what your dealing with.

[bobconnie]

Gee Scoobert, I hope you got a survey on that boat of yours!! But if ya did he sure missed a bunch of stuff you have been haveing trouble with !! Just sayin I might talk to him if it were I!!