R4 Compressor Siezed..... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300SD81 · #1 05-30-2007, 09:48 PM

My ebay rebuilt R4 seized

I don't want to get another from ebay because they all require professional installation to not void the warrenty.. Whats the best option to replace it with? Has to be relatively cheap. Is the Behr rebuilt from ******** ok? http://www.***************/search/product.aspx?sid=o1fi1s55rflx4r45a50mly55&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1194005@300SD&year=1981&cid=24@AC%20%26%20Heat%20-%20Climate%20Control&gid=6628@AC%20Compressor

They seem to be sold out from the buy parts link at the top?

edit:

other options within my price range I've found is the ready-aire rebuilt from advance auto parts or autozone..

Hit Man X · #2 05-30-2007, 09:52 PM

Good used from a parts yard?

#3 05-30-2007, 09:58 PM

The R4 is very sensitive to the proper amount of oil in the system, because it depends on the oil in the system for lubrication, unlike other compressor designs that have a integral oil sump. Too little oil will lead to a siezed unit.

The system has to be flushed with the expansion valve removed, in order to get all of the debris out of the system. A new/rebuilt/used compressor won't last long if this is not done.

These are the two main reasons rebuilders won't warranty a diy repair.

jbaj007 · #4 05-30-2007, 10:19 PM

The R4 was a great workhorse and served GM well, in it's day. However, it is considered one of the worst, if not the worst, compressor as a REBUILT. There's something about the rebuilts/remanufactureds that just don't hack it. Maybe, because there were so many out there, a lot of sleazy parts places just sold repainted ones; maybe they're hard to rebuild properly? 4 Seasons(siezens), Murray and the others under that company umbrella have poor reputations on their rebuilds.

Anyway, a lot of the pros on these two forums really stress using new, rather than rebuilt, when it comes to R4's.

http://www.autoacforum.com/

http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php?sid=167da32d8a79d9c298ac568cf8cf5672

Here's a new R4 for reasonable $.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=201021CP&Category_Code=Chevrolet81impala5-7

300SD81 · #5 05-30-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbaj007

The R4 was a great workhorse and served GM well, in it's day. However, it is considered one of the worst, if not the worst, compressor as a REBUILT. There's something about the rebuilts/remanufactureds that just don't hack it. Maybe, because there were so many out there, a lot of sleazy parts places just sold repainted ones; maybe they're hard to rebuild properly? 4 Seasons(siezens), Murray and the others under that company umbrella have poor reputations on their rebuilds.

Anyway, a lot of the pros on these two forums really stress using new, rather than rebuilt, when it comes to R4's.

http://www.autoacforum.com/

http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php?sid=167da32d8a79d9c298ac568cf8cf5672

Here's a new R4 for reasonable $.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=201021CP&Category_Code=Chevrolet81impala5-7

thats reasonable? thats nearing 3 months income for me.. Rebuilt is pretty much my only option. I think I remeber reading of a few good experiences with the Behr rebuilt, but can't find them anymore..

benzforlife · #6 05-30-2007, 10:39 PM

is it possible to get a r134a compressors for these cars?

Matt L · #7 05-30-2007, 10:41 PM

So sell something if you want a new compressor that will last. Why not try a used one?

AdvisorGuy · #8 05-30-2007, 10:52 PM

Better off going with a NEW 4SEASONS or Delco unit. I guess that's easy for me to say since I work for an auto parts store but that's the way I'd go.

Knightrider966 · #9 05-30-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

My ebay rebuilt R4 seized

I don't want to get another from ebay because they all require professional installation to not void the warrenty.. Whats the best option to replace it with? Has to be relatively cheap. Is the Behr rebuilt from ******** ok? http://www.***************/search/product.aspx?sid=o1fi1s55rflx4r45a50mly55&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1194005@300SD&year=1981&cid=24@AC%20%26%20Heat%20-%20Climate%20Control&gid=6628@AC%20Compressor

They seem to be sold out from the buy parts link at the top?

edit:

other options within my price range I've found is the ready-aire rebuilt from advance auto parts or autozone..

Unless you clear out the suction valve screen and put in plenty of oil, it will do it again. Try a wrecking yard or a York.

300SD81 · #10 05-30-2007, 11:45 PM

I guess this is the post I'm thinking of..

Quote:

Originally Posted by James L

Tom at www.*************** checked all his records for me on compressor returns......none for their rebuilt Behr R4 $149 and one return for their new 4-Seasons R4 $229.

I know MB dealerships sell/use rebuilt Behrs.

www.Ackits.com has a new Delphi R4 $199, but I do not like the way the pulley/ clutch looks (too thin)

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=15-20206

I am not sure which way to go.

So choices are..

Behr Rebuilt - $150, seems to be a good one
Used from Junkyard - lower $, but even more risky
Ebay Rebuilt - $75, had 1 die on me already
New - $200 + ship min

whatever i go with.. i'm back to skipping meals and doing stupid stuff infront of my friends for money.. i seriously need a job.. applied everywhere, no calls :/

edit..

whats the chances this will fit?!? http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=20-10436&Category_Code=

#11 05-31-2007, 07:16 AM

I learned this the hard way. Do not, do not, do NOT use a rebuilt R4 compressor. I thought I'd gotten a great deal on a rebuilt unit for $150. It was a great deal until it locked up 2 weeks later.

A new compressor is only $250. The difference of $100 is well worth it to have a compressor that should last 2-3 years instead of 2-3 WEEKS.

PM me and I'll give you a shop that can do the install, evac, and charge for you for a very reasonable price.

Bill Ladd · #12 05-31-2007, 07:32 AM

Here's one with the proper o-ring ports.

ACKits o-ring R-4

300SD81 · #13 05-31-2007, 10:18 AM

I think this is the best deal i'm going to find on a new one

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=201020CP&Category_Code=

Choice now is... sweat all summer, or skip meals all summer to pay for this thing... Do they still give you the warranty if you install it yourself? I can't find a policy anywhere on the site.. Theres is one thing I refuse to ever pay for..labor, 20 hours of my labor to save $20 is just fine to me..

Any place I can find the suction screen that presses into the compressor for less than $80 for a whole kit?