ac help

[miatafan8171]

I've got a 90 that needs a new a/c compressor. The a/c works but isn't very cold. It took it to an indie garage and the guy said the system is intact, not leaking, but the compressor is weak. Then he said he could do an new one for 1200, used for 800. I declined.

I'd like to get if fixed if I can do it for a reasonable amount. Planet Miata has used a/c compressors for $150.00, but the install is way beyond my ability and I have no tools. Does anyone know somebody they'd recommend for the job? I had my car worked on at Miata Solutions once and think I got screwed over, so I'm wary of anyone without a reference.

[Sharpie]

If you went to miata solutions everyone here is going to doubt you got screwed over. Stevan is honest. You'll get a bunch of references for him here.

[POS Racing]

What is an indie garage?? Compressor was weak?? Sounds like the shop had no clue.

Since yours may still be an R12 system you may want to consult an automotive A/C professional before going any further. Miatas don't have awesome a/c systems out of the box how bad is yours?

Fill out your profile so we know what side of town you are on so someone near you might be able to make a recommendation.

I also question your comment on Miata Solutions they are one of the most highly regarded Miata specialty shops in Dallas / Ft. Worth.

[miatafan8171]

i am so sorry! I didn't mean miata solutions. I meant to say miata technoliges.

[POS Racing]

i am so sorry! I didn't mean miata solutions. I meant to say miata technoliges.

Huge diffence there sparky!

So tell us more about how your a/c system is working now?

[POS Racing]

Quick easy check of the condition of your a/c systems :

Mazda recommends the following procedure to evaluate refrigerant charge: 1) Run the engine at fast idle; 2) operate the air conditioner at maximum cooling for a few minutes; 3) determine the amount of refrigerant as shown below, by observing the sight glass:

If bubbles are present in the sight glass, there is insufficient refrigerant, and the system should be evaluated and recharged.

If no bubbles are present in the sight glass, this indicates either the correct amount of refrigerant, or too much refrigerant. If, immediately after the air conditioner is turned off, the sight glass remains clear, then there is too much refrigerant. The proper amount of refrigerant is present if, when the air conditioner is turned off, the refrigerant foams, and then the sight glass becomes clear.

[miatafan8171]

Let me start out by offering a GIANT apology to Miata Solutions. I'll start over. The a/c on my 90 miata works but is not very cold. I took the car to a nearby car repair shop, not a dealer or chain, that was advertising a/c checks. They said the a/c system is not leaking and needs a new compressor. The price they quoted was 1200 new, 800 used. I declined the repair. Last year a Mazda dealer looked at the a/c. They said it needs a new compressor, 475, plus labor.

Planet Miata has used compressors for $150. I would like to find someone in the area that would install a customer-supplied compressor. Does anyone know someone who would do this? Any part of town is okay.

I had my car repaired at Miata Technologies once, and after reading about him on this site, I think was taken advantage of.

I've heard some great things about Miata Solutions here and offer him my sincere apology for mixing him up with the other guy with the awful reputation.

[POS Racing]

Once again I don't think your mechanic knew what he was talking about. Don't just go and buy a compressor until you figure out what the real problem may be.

What do you get when you check the following?

Quick easy check of the condition of your a/c systems :

Mazda recommends the following procedure to evaluate refrigerant charge: 1) Run the engine at fast idle; 2) operate the air conditioner at maximum cooling for a few minutes; 3) determine the amount of refrigerant as shown below, by observing the sight glass:

If bubbles are present in the sight glass, there is insufficient refrigerant, and the system should be evaluated and recharged.

If no bubbles are present in the sight glass, this indicates either the correct amount of refrigerant, or too much refrigerant. If, immediately after the air conditioner is turned off, the sight glass remains clear, then there is too much refrigerant. The proper amount of refrigerant is present if, when the air conditioner is turned off, the refrigerant foams, and then the sight glass becomes clear.

[cam76034]

What specifically led him to the conclusion that your compressor was "weak"?

I'd pick up a can of r12 off CL (assuming it hasn't been converted to R134) and add a charge while watching the sight glass as mentioned earlier.

Don't expect a whole lot from your AC in August right off the bat if its been parked out in the sun.

[Radio-Active]

Sounds to me like the indie shop wants to make out with a lot of your hard earned money. I would check out what POS Racing said with the sight glass. Miata's, even when new, struggled to get super cold when we reach 100 degrees. Your right leg is also likely to get hot in the summer.

I would also make sure that your system is still using R-12. Most cars would have been converted by now to R-134a. If the valves on the A/C are of the quick disconect type, someone has already converted the A/C unit over and it will be a lot easier to find refrigerant.

[MadMerv]

I have several compressors. Sell ya one for $100.