4 Seasons remanufactured R4 compressor

[funola]

My used R4 which I re-sealed last summer is making intermittent clanking noise. There is sufficient oil in the system. I don't really want to run it with that noise and have it grenade and cause more problems.

I am looking at a 4 Seasons 57228 remanufactured GM R4 eCatalog
that is available from Pepboys for $150 + tax. I called a local store with one in stock and was told it's remanufactured in China. Anyone here installed one and what was your experience?

Per 4 Seasons website:

"All remanufactured compressors are built using the latest compressor technology available today and using strict remanufacturing processes.
Tested for noise, vibration, durability, vacuum decay, and pressure decay to ensure no leaks and longer life
Contains R-12/R-134a compatible gaskets, o-rings, or seals to properly replace the product
Built in a TS16949 certified manufacturing environment to ensure consistent quality that meets or exceeds OE specifications for fit, form, function, and durability
100% new pistons and yokes in R4 compressors and a stainless steel reed valve"

So they do more than just paint the case.

[tyl604]

Fun - I have been looking at the same thing for my '81 300SD. Just have not been willing to pull the trigger yet. Most other ones are about 2x the price. I have four cans of freon that I have had for several years; think I paid something like $35 per can - but at least I have some.

Do you have freon?

[funola]

Originally Posted by tyl604

Fun - I have been looking at the same thing for my '81 300SD. Just have not been willing to pull the trigger yet. Most other ones are about 2x the price. I have four cans of freon that I have had for several years; think I paid something like $35 per can - but at least I have some.

Do you have freon?

Pepboys reman 4 Seasons R4 has a 2 year warranty with stores nearby. If what 4 Seasons advertises is true, then the risk is low IMO. I have about 22 lbs left of a 30 lb jug of R12. If I were you, I'd use an oil compatible to R152a and R12 and charge it with R152a first so you don't waste your R12 in case you screw up. R152a (Dust-Off) is cheap- 4 cans for $13 at Walmart.

[HuskyMan]

As soon as I read the words "Made in China", I look elsewhere for pain relief.

[HuskyMan]

It appears some of the major parts stores are carrying the adage "Buy low, sell high" to the extreme. If they can get the parts made in China for very very little money, then they stand to make a lot more $$$$$$.

And get this; they make those additional $$$$$$$ OFF OF YOU!!!

Cheap is cheap, quality is quality. You get what you pay for, now get used to it.

[torsionbar]

That's a very fancy full service hotel. They have shoe shines for the men, and a spa for the ladies. I had no idea they can also rebuild your a/c compressor. Now that's service!!

[funola]

The R4 in question is a GM compressor rebuilt in China, it was not originally built in China. I'll go take a look at one tonight.

[HuskyMan]

This all reminds of a presentation I attended several years back. It was for a new line of vitamins/nutritional supplements. Regardless, the presenter understood the games we all play when it comes to purchasing. She said when you walk into a retail health food store store, you see the rows and rows of vitamins and supplments lined up sitting TOGETHER.

So.......when you see a bottle of 1000mg of Vitamin C, 100 capsules for $39.95 and another botttle of Vitamin C, 1000mg, 100 capsules for $19.95, which one are you going to PICK UP????

[funola]

Originally Posted by HuskyMan

This all reminds of a presentation I attended several years back. It was for a new line of vitamins/nutritional supplements. Regardless, the presenter understood the games we all play when it comes to purchasing. She said when you walk into a retail health food store store, you see the rows and rows of vitamins and supplments lined up sitting TOGETHER.

So.......when you see a bottle of 1000mg of Vitamin C, 100 capsules for $39.95 and another botttle of Vitamin C, 1000mg, 100 capsules for $19.95, which one are you going to PICK UP????

I am looking for experience from people who have actually installed a rebuilt 4 Seasons GM R4 compressor. Please start a new thread on your off topic posts.

[funola]

Originally Posted by torsionbar

That's a very fancy full service hotel. They have shoe shines for the men, and a spa for the ladies. I had no idea they can also rebuild your a/c compressor. Now that's service!!

You are not providing any useful info.

[funola]

Here's a new one made in Korea for $150. If you look at the application list, there are 10 pages of it. GM Chevy, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Mercedes .
There is a big demand for a replacement R4 and that is why you can get a new one or a rebuilt so cheap.

New AC Compressor 58228 R4 for 68-93 Buick Chevrolet GMC Mercedes-Benz Oldsmobil | eBay

[engatwork]

Get the kit and convert it to a Sanden unit. I've done three over the past three or four months and the results were great. You can go to the Sanden site and purchase a brand new, Made in the US compressor and be done with it.

[funola]

Originally Posted by engatwork

Get the kit and convert it to a Sanden unit. I've done three over the past three or four months and the results were great. You can go to the Sanden site and purchase a brand new, Made in the US compressor and be done with it.

If the R4 is really that bad, you'd think all the US cars that used it would have a conversion kit. Are there such kits for the millions of US 80's cars out there with R4's? Your Sanden kit may be great for now. Question is how long will it be before the brackets start to crack. Then it won't be so great.

[Zulfiqar]

not R4 but I have installed new built 4 seasons compressors on W210 and some BMWs. All were not original denso but looked like asian clones.

All cars are working sweet till now. (counting more than a year)

[engatwork]

Most 80's GM cars I see riding around down here have the windows down. I have not seen any issues with the brackets. The last Chinese made r4 compressor I installed on one lasted 3 years on r12.