330HP 3126B A/C Compressor

[Realag]

Is replacing the A/C compressor on a 3126B possible for a do-it-yourselfer or is this best left to the tech? We let our 01 National Tradewinds 7390LTC sit for about three months and after turning on the dash A/C, it looks like the compressor spewed oil and it gets very very hot - to the point of smoking.

[atomic98]

I can replace many things, but the a/c compressor is not something I would try. You need to be able to capture the refrigerant, and then replace it with the right type. Oh, you will need to replace it with current approved refrigerant, and the compressor itself it in a tight spot. Looks like pulling the alternator will help give you room to work on the compressor from the topside.

[VanDiemen23]

It's likely much more than just the compressor by now. Likely something inside the compressor broke and spit the pieces around in there. the drag is producing the heat.

Pieces will get into your lines, the dehydrator, the evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve.

The evaporator and condensor need to come out and be flushed. The lines can be flushed in place.

The expansion valve has to be replaced, along with the dehydrator. then a measured amount of oil can be put in, the compressor attached, the system vacuumed, and then new refrigerant added.

I had this problem on a 2001 Eclipse, and I was quoted over $2000 for the work, so I bought the parts, did the flushing myself, and took it to a mechanic friend for the re-fill. It took me a couple weeks of after work foolin around, but it cost me less than 10% of what was originally quoted.