Aircon died a few weeks ago, so I got a quote today, they said that the following was wrong with it:

Gas leaking through compressor, requires replacement compressor.
Running on old style gas, needs to be refilled with new one (CFCs anyone?)
Clean Evaporator core

Some other crap too but I can't remember it, quote is subject to inspection later too... bleh

Grand total... $928

Do I bother? To me this figure seems like complete bull**** and I'm offended by it.

Discuss.

Aircon died a few weeks ago, so I got a quote today, they said that the following was wrong with it:

Gas leaking through compressor, requires replacement compressor.
Running on old style gas, needs to be refilled with new one (CFCs anyone?)
Clean Evaporator core

Some other crap too but I can't remember it, quote is subject to inspection later too... bleh

Grand total... $928

Do I bother? To me this figure seems like complete bull**** and I'm offended by it.

Discuss.

Its half the value of your car.
Can you go to the wreckers and get whats needed or is that sort of dangerous?
$928...Yeah right

You and I both know that much is a joke.

It cost me just under $400 to get my old system regassed, changed over to the new system, have the evaporator cleaned and change a few seals.

Cause the 2nd Gens used CFC12 from the factory, the system needs to be changed over to R134a, a HFC gas. Since the valves from CFC12 systems aren't compatible with R134a cylinders, they'll need to be changed to the right ones, which cost me $50 each (there are two).

Get a 2nd quote mate.

Pretty sure a 2nd-hand compressor should only cost you about $150.
Dunno about the gas, a standard regas is only about $100-$150, but from the looks of it that must be if it's using new current gas.

Yeah, I was pretty outraged when I heard it, I broke three teeth from my jaw hitting the floor so goddamn fast. The S13's aircon fixing was quoted at like $200 more expensive than that.

**** I hate people so goddamn much.

Any tips on getting a compressor from the wreckers? How do I know the one I get won't be ****ed? Should I look around for these 'upgraded' gas cylinder adaptors or whatever they are at the wreckers too?

Mate Why not take it to a few(2-4) places and get quotes or even just make some phone calls and enquire about it.

Sounds like a joke, however I'm not 100% sure does this involve removing the dash? Because if it does the amount sounds like the labour to pull it apart and put it to together, I know this is the case with heatercore's.

Mate Why not take it to a few(2-4) places and get quotes or even just make some phone calls and enquire about it.

Sounds like a joke, however I'm not 100% sure does this involve removing the dash? Because if it does the amount sounds like the labour to pull it apart and put it to together, I know this is the case with heatercore's.
Evaporator coil is behind the glovebox I'm pretty sure... 4-6 bolt operation I believe.

your best bet is to get a replacement compressor from a wreckers then get them to fill your system with ER12. ER12 is the evironmentally friendly R12. imo E12 was the best gas (other than lpg) to fill aircons up with. r134a is a waste of time if your system is an R12 system. why change gas, when you can fill it up with something that is designed to run in your existing system?

all i did to get my aircon working is take it all apart, refit new orings (you want the green o rings, i have plenty of spares if you want some - different sizes too), refiting it all with appropriate sealant on the threads, then getting them to fill the system with ER12.

ER12 is completely compatible with old R12 systems, so nothing should need to be changed over. just hand thenm the new drier sealed and they'll fit it as you dont wanna expose it to air - they are rendered useless if you leave them open to air for 10 or so minutes.

all up this cost me:
$30 orings, sealant
$28 new reciever drier
$240 regass

as for evaporator being dirty, if its anything like a first gen, you can take it out pretty easily just by removing the glove box. either clean yours, or find a clean one to replace it with.

hey mate i have a second hand compressor if you want it.. where do you live? i can post it to you. im on the goldie.