PLEASE indulge me one more A/C ?

[Big_nate]

I've researched every thread here and the FAQ so if you don't mind just a little advice from some of the techs or other experienced owners would be much appreciated

My compressor is noisy. The FAQ states that sometimes this can be caused by low freon level since the freon/oil also lubricates the compressor. I checked my sight gauge and did see some foaming that eventually went away and I saw nothing, though the compressor was still groaning slightly. Service records indicate previous owner complained of same thing in '98; after O-ring replacement, evac, and recharge no further problems noted.

Would you (as an experienced owner or technician);
1. Evac and recharge system to see if problem goes away. If so would you go ahead and do the R134 conversion at the same time? (my only concern here is wasting time and money if its an unlikely fix)

2. Just replace the compressor entirely since its now 13 years old, though only some 41k on it. If so, any thoughts on this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ry=33543&item=7918306445&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
It would save me roughly 450 over the OEM clutch and compressor.

Thanks for your input and sorry to beat a dead horse

Nate

 

[EIFFEL]

Replace the compressor and clutch assembly, Stay with R12 if possible, Unless R12 is too hard to come by. also replace the drier assembly. Don't wait until the compressor comes apart. "Black Death". Then you're talking major $$$. even by NSX standards.

 

[nsxtasy]

I would recommend doing the R134a conversion at the same time. Folks who have done the conversion usually report that the converted A/C works just fine. And of course, the refrigerant is much less expensive (not just better for the environment). Keep in mind that if you are debugging a problem, you may eventually end up recharging it several times in the process, so you may be getting the cost savings in the refrigerant more than once.

 

[D'Ecosse]

... If so, any thoughts on this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ry=33543&item=7918306445&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I bought mine from AIRCOPARTS and it has generally performed well but there are a couple of things to watch out for -
This is the same compressor as used on an Integra - however the pulley is a different size. We didn't realize this until the car was all back together again & found the belt wouldn't fit. (This is not a trivial replacement on the NSX as you have to drop the subframe) Check this out before you install it & swap the clutches. There is a much stronger likelihood that the core would be from an Integra than an NSX! (They didn't even request my core back in return anyway, so I'm not sure where they would source a number of NSX-specific cores)
I also purchased the receiver/dryer from them - although it was possible to make it work, again this was not an ideal fit compared the OEM. Had to expand the bracket & use a longer screw.
Their customer sevice was extremely poor incidentally in trying to get any kind of response from them on these issues.
However if you know these issues going in, it is still a decent value in my opinion.
If you do end up replacing the compressor, convert to r134a - it is not worth the significant additional expense for r12 for the difference, not to mention of course it's more environmentally friendly.

 

[hlweyl]

If it were me, I would have the system recharged with the dye so they can inspect for leaks preferrably by an experienced NSX mechanic. If the tech is unfamiliar with the NSX have them take the blower motor off to get a glimpse any leaks around the dreaded evaporator. If the recharge quiets the AC compressor... then great! If she's still whining after that, I'd replace the compressor.