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AC Compressor....

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by SR5 Limited, May 5, 2021.

  1. May 5, 2021 at 5:21 PM
    #1
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Well it’s been pumping out cold AC for 25 years. Now my compressor keeps turning on and off with only mild temps coming out of the vents. It’s holding the refrigerant. So I priced out a refab Denso kit with the seals, dryer and lubed for $200....
     
  2. May 5, 2021 at 7:18 PM
    #2
    Patcell

    Patcell New Member

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    I don’t know much about it, but that sounds cheap. Are you able to do the work yourself?

    Whenever I think of AC problems I see dollar signs flashing in front of my eyes.

    Sorry for the useless post, but good luck and let us know how you make out!
     
  3. May 5, 2021 at 7:23 PM
    #3
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Well seems you just have to lay the power steering pump to the side and it’s right there. Hold my Diet Coke I can handle this.....
     
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  4. May 6, 2021 at 2:39 AM
    #4
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    AC compressors don't last 25 years. Mine went in 10 years. Just replace with a $200 new compressor from Amazon and you'll have cool again.

    Amazon.com: Denso 471-1413 New Compressor with Clutch: Automotive
    I bought mine in Aug 2018

    Have the evaporator ($90 part at Amazon) checked out as well. That's an $880 job if you find the right place.

    No one rebuilds AC compressors because they have 100 seals. They are junk when they fail.

    Just my 2 cents. I had AC failure in my 2005 4runner - but cooling like ice again now.

    You may have to bite the bullet and pay the mechanic shops. Things don't last forever.

    Just my two cents

    Only buy new AC compressors - not remanufactured JMHO
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2021
  5. May 10, 2021 at 4:07 PM
    #5
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Denso!!!19136C03-A37E-4D3C-8F62-9A6B0CCDECF4.jpg
     
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  6. May 11, 2021 at 11:40 AM
    #6
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    You can’t do this job without recovering the Freon....A0037215-50B9-4190-B155-5E03ADB4D1D1.jpg
     
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  7. May 11, 2021 at 11:41 AM
    #7
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    You need to vacuum all the air out of the system before refilling...B83DB4FA-557F-408C-AE81-2FFD1D79F7FE.jpg
     
  8. May 11, 2021 at 1:40 PM
    #8
    Patcell

    Patcell New Member

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    Awesome! Glad it worked out for you. Thanks for the update!
     
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  9. May 11, 2021 at 3:12 PM
    #9
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Well, it didn’t work at first I started freaking out. Then guy was like there was a wire crimp that was bad. I says “it’s never had AC work done before”?
    So it’s cool but not cold, I need an expansion valve. Denso, $25, have to remove glove box and take out the ac box. Hold my Diet Coke I can handle this....
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2021
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  10. May 17, 2021 at 4:01 PM
    #10
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Here goes nothin!!! This should do the trick...8FD94BE6-7411-4A66-A3C6-8C148038ACC4.jpg
     
  11. May 18, 2021 at 10:37 AM
    #11
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    My AC is too cold I don’t like it!!!!
     
  12. May 18, 2021 at 10:39 AM
    #12
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    Cleaning the evaporator and installing a new expansion valve is by far C5AADB98-3DEF-4EE9-9E0E-50B744761588.jpg one of the best mods you can do to your 3rd Gen 4R! It’s so easy takes thirty minutes.
     
  13. May 24, 2021 at 7:30 AM
    #13
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Is the expansion valve in the heater box? Do you have to take the dash apart?
     
  14. May 24, 2021 at 8:21 AM
    #14
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    No. Get the Freon removed. Two screws remove glove box, then a few bolts, 10mm to remove ac box, after disconnecting the two lines at the fire wall under the hood. Easy peasy. Takes two cans about 30 ounces, to refill like 10 bucks.
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2021
  15. May 24, 2021 at 8:23 AM
    #15
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    And don’t forget to put the drain tube through firewall. I was wondering why mine wasn’t draining. Then I saw water on my Husky floor mat. You can still push it through after installing but the grommet seal will fall off..
     
  16. May 24, 2021 at 8:58 AM
    #16
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Cool (pun intended). I am really tempted to get an AC reclamation pump. I see you can get one for $400 for a low end one. I have an evac pump and a tank already. Have the manifold gauges. Need a scale too I suppose.

    Mine works, just doesn't blow as cold as I remember.
     
  17. Feb 15, 2022 at 7:12 AM
    #17
    elanelown

    elanelown New Member

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    Don't you think your kit costs too much? Were you eventually able to change the temperature from the air conditioner into the room? Perhaps the refrigerant container is leaking, and you can't find that leak. That's what happened to a friend of mine. His air conditioner wasn't giving off the coolness he needed on hot days. He took the condenser to be repaired, but there was nothing wrong with it. He got so tired of constantly babysitting his air conditioner that he just found a similar model on https://www.brightcamping.com/caravan-air-conditioner/ and bought a new one. He hasn't had any more problems.
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2022
  18. Feb 15, 2022 at 12:45 PM
    #18
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    It works like brand new! That why I used Denso.
     
  19. Feb 15, 2022 at 12:49 PM
    #19
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Pretty sure you responded to a bot.
     
  20. Feb 15, 2022 at 12:55 PM
    #20
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited [OP] New Member

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    I’m heading to the farm.
     

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