A/C Compressor

[Capt Happy]

Good Day All,

1997 Voyager 320.

Our A/C had been consistently tripping out. Had a tech in to troubleshoot, diagnosed a seized compressor.
He indicated this is a hermetically sealed unit and the only option is to replace.
Has anyone on here had the same issue? What was the correction, repair/replace?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thks

[g36]

If this is oem it would be best to replace the whole unit with new. Many have been at this spot it wasn't long ago this was just discussed. You can also use the search feature on the forum.

[Capt Happy]

Ok thks, I will have a look around the forum..cheers

[tomschauer]

If the system is r-22 and the compressor has failed, definitely replace the complete unit. If it is a newer 410a system and the compressor has failed electrically (shorted windings) definitely replace the entire unit.

[Capt Happy]

Hi Tom,

So your saying definitely replace the whole unit

Thks to both of you for your replies. I figured as much.
Have a great day

[tomschauer]

Occasionally a compressor will fail mechanically and you can replace just the compressor and save some $. They usually fail electrically, when this happens the burning of the motor windings contaminate the system with acid. A large system can be cleaned up and saved, but a small system would cost twice as much as a new unit to do it properly. If the acid and bad oil isn't cleaned up properly the new compressor will have a very short life.

[Viper]

IMO, no matter the type of compressor failure, putting that kind of money into replacing a compressor on a 20 year old unit is not the best use of that money. Even with a new compressor, you'll still have a 20 year old unit and no guaranty something else won't fail in the short term.