'96 a/c compressor fits my '91?

[Zcorp]

Will an a/c compressor from '96 fit on a '91? The local parts guy said the numbers are different but he doesn't know if it will fit or not. The picture looks the same. My '91 compressor needs to be rebuilt and the local service department has quoted me $1200 parts & $625 labor = $1825.00 total. The $1825 is for labor, compressor, clutch & coil, receiver & dryer, 2 cans of R-12. Does this seem like a fair price? Damn!

I've found the part for a great price and could install it myself (I think.) What is the accumulator and expansion valve? Do those parts need to be replaced too. Is the receiver & dryer also called an accumulator? I need a friend whose a mechanic, 'cause the guys at my acura dealership know that I don't know crap about the a/c system and the can tell me anything they want and I have to believe it.

I'm selling the car soon and need the a/c to be running properly for the sale to be finalized. My family is hurting for $ so I'm needing some help in a bad way. Thanks.

Sincerely - Jason

 

[D'Ecosse]

91 is R12 system & 96 is R134a so that is the primary difference - the later one should work if you convert system to R134a. I believe the compressors are actually the same, major difference being type of oil used for lube.
Be sure to have the system evacuated properly & replace the receiver dryer along with the compressor.

Note: you can get a rebuilt compressor for a lot cheaper than that ....

http://www.aircoparts.com/compressors/acura.htm is one re-conditioning entity. These guys list on E-Bay at ~$230

One thing to be wary of - the compressor used in the NSX is the same model as the Integra & these rebuilt units come typically with an Integra pulley which is smaller! You should swap the pulleys after your remove the NSX unit or since I didn't find out till after I had installed I used a smaller size belt for the AC/Alternator loop.

Here's one on EBay for $205! - it says new!!!! Seem to have decent feedback but have no experience of them.

It is not a trivial install on an NSX but do-able - you need to remove the front crossmember - access to a rack will make this go much easier. (this is why after only discovering it was all back together again that the belt would not fit, we elected to just go with smaller belt rather than take it all off again!)

Start by going to an AC shop to have old system pumped & purged.
Remove your old compressor & re-install the new one (looks like the one I linked comes with oil already)
(here's the on-line service manual)
Swap out the receiver dryer
Return to the AC shop for charging of the system - I would recommend R134a - it's going to be a lot easier on your pocket and of course much more environment friendly

 

[Zennsx]

I ordered an NSX compressor from Airco a year ago and as D'Ecosse stated it had the Integra pulley. Cindy from Airco finally straightened it out and sent me the correct compressor and pulley and its been perfect for over a year now . I think it was under $200.00 and it wasn't too difficult to install . IMO order the rebuild, you really cant beat the price.

 

[D'Ecosse]

I ordered an NSX compressor from Airco a year ago and as D'Ecosse stated it had the Integra pulley. Cindy from Airco finally straightened it out and sent me the correct compressor and pulley and its been perfect for over a year now . I think it was under $200.00 and it wasn't too difficult to install . IMO order the rebuild, you really cant beat the price.

You're lucky - I could get no satisfaction from them after the fact - think I even talked to same lady!
It has been working flawlessly however. I just had hoped for better customer service. Even if they'd paid for my replacement belt I probably would have been satisfied.
What is disappointing is that even after I explained the difference they continue to ship Integra pulleys on 'NSX' compressors.

As to the price, if you check the two links I provided you will see the new one from carcompressors is actually cheaper than the rebuild from Airco.
(Note that the Carcompressors is also available as a kit with the dryer & expansion valve at $289)

 

[drew]

The Integra compressor has a bonus of a higher displacement than the NSX.

If your compressor grenaded and sent debris through the system: you are going to have to replace (clean?) the expansion valve and flush the lines too.

You have some work ahead of you! This is a fairly big job....

Drew

 

[D'Ecosse]

The Integra compressor has a bonus of a higher displacement than the NSX....

I don't believe so - the model number (10PA15C) of the Denso compressor is identical - only the pulley is different.
(note there are a couple of Integra models that have a '20C compressor but that is not the one they send - primarily, the Integra unit is the '15C, same as the NSX)

 

[drew]

I meant LEGEND. Dunno what I was thinking about Integra....

Drew

 

[Zennsx]

You're lucky - I could get no satisfaction from them after the fact - think I even talked to same lady!
It has been working flawlessly however. I just had hoped for better customer service. Even if they'd paid for my replacement belt I probably would have been satisfied.
What is disappointing is that even after I explained the difference they continue to ship Integra pulleys on 'NSX' compressors.

As to the price, if you check the two links I provided you will see the new one from carcompressors is actually cheaper than the rebuild from Airco.
(Note that the Carcompressors is also available as a kit with the dryer & expansion valve at $289)

Even though I was reassured three times prior to ordering from AIRCO that this would have the correct diameter pulley for the NSX ,It still wasn't. However they overnighted me a rebuild with the correct size and it worked out ok.