The Kehin part number for the old style compressor is

HS090R 6 Grv

it's printed on the compressor itself.

I'm guessing 7 GRV is for the new style compressor?

 

So...had a tech at Firestone check the system. He said the compressor bearing is gone and it's a 50/50 if there is any metal in the system.

I'm thinking I'll just replace the compressor with a used OEM unit, fill with oil, replace the drier and TXV, then have Firestone pull vacuum and add refrigerant. My understanding is that if there is any metal in the system, I'd need to replace the condenser and evaporator as simply flushing them won't be sufficient. Is that the case? Because I could have Firestone do an A/C flush as well if that would remove the metal bits that may or may not be in the system. The only reason that I'm even going to engage Firestone for filling the system is that they want to charge me $100 to evacuate the old refrigerant and for that cost they will also add the new refrigerant and oil, so it's basically a freebie since I don't want to vent the R-134a to atmosphere.

I'm leaning towards taking my chances that there isn't any metal in the system:
Have system purged of R-134 by Firestone
Take vehicle home and replace compressor, drier, TXV, add PAG oil
*Note that I'm not planning to flush the system,
Pull a vacuum myself to remove moisture and preserve the drier, confirm seal (pulling a vacuum won't remove the oil right?)
Take vehicle to Firestone *without* running AC
Have firestone vacuum, then add refrigerant

Does that make sense?

Thanks,

Russell

 

Personally, I'd just replace the compressor and have a nice day, but if you feel better about it then go for it.

How do you plan on pulling a vacuum in the system at home?

 

I could definitely do that as well Fernando. I figured the drier was super easy to replace since it’s right up front and accessible. The TXV though is a PITA to get to.

Autozone loans manifold gauges and vacuum pumps which is what I planned to use. The manifold gauges are not great because they are abused, but my local shop has a set that I’ve used before that I know works.

I could pretty easily just replace the compressor and then add oil and refrigerant myself, but since I’m paying Firestone already, I figure I’ll let them do it for me at their cost . I don’t have the equipment to capture the R-134 unfortunately.

 

Don't get a remanned compressor buy a new one. Used compressors are headaches waiting to happen. Mine lasted 5 years before the shaft seal went bad. It was a used OEM one, the remanned one before that lasted 2 years.

 

@st.ryder64 (1) retro-fitted AC to his "rescue" S2000 From which a previous owner had removed it and (2) is, as I recall, a HVAC professional. Perhaps he can comment.

-- Chuck

 

I would love to get a new one, but new keihin units are $900-$1200. Eek! I could go with an off brand new unit for $450....
I don’t want to be cheap, but I also don’t want to throw money away.

 

Thanks Chuck! That would be awesome. I’ll see if I can’t reach out.

 

I'm a licensed master Honda tech with 10+ years of experience...

I'm not pulling random info out of my ass on this situation. All I'm saying is it's your money, I'm making my points from experience and what I've seen fail/not fail, etc. No point in spending money on parts that don't need to be replaced, but if you have the means ($$$$) then go for it. It's insurance at that point.

 

I really appreciate the advise Fernando. That’s why I’m leaning towards exactly what you described. Just doing the compressor with a used OEM unit.