A/C Questions...fixable?

[nick7764]

So I have a few general questions and could use some advice. I got my second Festy a few weeks ago (and its AWESOME ), but have a few A/C questions. (88' 5 speed LX, dealer-installed A/C). Anyways, when I got it, I was told the compressor was bad. I knew that, but just having meant it could be repaired in my eyes. After taking it to my mechanic to have a tune up and some small work done, I asked him to check the compressor for me. Turns out it's not even on there right now! Which my mechanic says is really bad. He says depending on how long its been like this (I'm guessing a year), it could have hurt the entire system by leaving it open like that, and that it's just not worth it to fix. He said I could easily be looking at $500, just to begin. His advice is using the window as I've always done, but he's a VW guy and was kinda pissed I didn't get a Golf... So I wanted some input from Festiva people...
Since it's dealer-installed A/C, will it be harder to find parts for/repair?
Could the system really be damaged that much from having the compressor taken out? Whats my best bet for new parts? (junk yard?)

And what do you think in general? Would you fix it? Do you think it could be that expensive (or more)? The car only has 115,000 miles, almost no rust, and runs great, and I plan on keeping it as a daily driver for as long as the car is willing, so even if its $500 to fix, it might be worth it to me since I really want A/C for our summer road trips out west...

[shortystowing]

I would pull the lines that use to connect to the compressor and replace them with new, then I would have a vacuum pulled on the system to check for leaks or problems and go from there...

Anything is "fixable" with the right amount of money...

[David88]

I've had festys with A/C and the problems as well. I've had dealer and factory both. Not alot of difference overall or performance wise, but the parts don't interchange.
As far as availability of parts, the most difficult thing if determining/explaining the difference from a seller that doesn't know. Unless you can hold it/compare or have a very good pic, it tough.
I've run into corrosion on the aluminum lines where the fittings are especially on the condenser(radiator) part and the receiver drier(canister on the condenser). This is worst in the winter salt areas of the country. The system being open can be bad as dirt can be introduced into the lines. They should the be flushed individually meaning removal of all parts. There is your cost. I have a radiator shop close to me that will put R12 in. IMHO that is the ONLY way to go. That the only thing these system were designed for. R134 on these systems won't work. I guarantee if it cools, it won't for long. Plus, once R134 is put in you cant go back to R12 without complete tear-down, cleaning and replacement of the expansion valve and all o rings.
I think the A/C in a festy is worth it 100%. A properly working system will make you very comfortable. I have taken systems out and swapped them into cars that never had A/C. I had all parts cleaned, installed it myself then had the shop test and charge it. The guys at the radiator shop near me are great. I took my '90 L Plus in. I has a factory a/c system sealed, but not cooling. Never had R134. They put a full R12 charge on it and tested. He took me back and showed me. It was still hooked up, but he had the car running with the a/c on and it would freeze you out. He did find a small leak too. It was on the condenser fitting. He gave me the option to leave the charge in or take it out so I could address the leak. At $70 per lb. you want to have it right, so I had him reclaim the charge.
It pays to find someone that specializes in this work and to find someone that wants to do it and wants to help you. Sounds like you car wont have the corrosion problem as it sounds clean. Still, give those fittings a good look. Mine was oily at the threads where the stuff leaked. I got a rebuilt compressor off ebay for $60. If your not in a hurry watch for a deal.

[bravekozak]

still searching

I also have a Sanden-708 that the rear fitting broke off.

http://bwbronze.com/festiva/broken1.jpg

I cannot have any air until I replace it. I am willing to buy the whole compressor, if you don't have just the back piece. Let me know thanks.