Does anyone know if it's possible to test an A/C Compressor? Is there anyone that you can take a compressor to and have them test it to make sure it isn't going to spew black death as soon as you charge it up?

When I purchased this car I asked if they A/C worked and the response of course was no. I asked if he knew what was wrong with it and of course he said no.

Well, this weekend I was planning on dropping my cradle and figured out that I needed to remove my A/C compressor prior to dropping the cradle. After a couple hours of not being able to get that top bolt out I tested the schrader valve up front and there was no pressure so I just disconnected the lines. There isn't any black gunk in the lines so I would like to keep it that way.

I would really like to know if my compressor is good or not. I would hate to replace all the seals charge it up and spew black death. And pretty much trash my whole system.

But I don't really want to spend 400 bucks on a compressor either.

Easiest way to start...is with the disclaimer: I would do this to my car but if it somehow makes your car catch on fire or otherwise...you assume your own risk working on your car.

There should be an electrical connector near the pulley on the compressor, if you apply 12 volts here, it should engage the clutch

Otherwise spinning the pulley from the center (or with the clutch engaged) the 2 ports on the back should make some pressure or vacuum, can probably just cover the holes with your finger and see if it's making any pressure or suction. Keep in mind turning by hand will be much slower than the belt would drive the compressor and you won't get much.

If the clutch engages and the internals are in good working order, your compressor should be ok.

-James

Remove the compressor with the top bracket still attached. It's easier to remove the whole mess than to try an get the upper bolt out.