UPDATE: Problem FIXED!!

Today I jacked up the passenger side of my evo at my dads house and measured the air gap. It was at .025mm and was probably closer to .028, which is out of spec (.012 - .020).

I removed the one washer and measured the gap again and it was at .012mm. I started her up and turned the A/C to MAX. IT WORKED! I turned her off and left a few minutes later and the A/C started back up with no problems....I left it on the entire ride home and she was blowing ice cold the whole way. I only hope it lasts this summer. Fingers crossed! I'll update this thread if the problem returns.

How long did this fix last for you guys??

Thank you for all of your input guys!!! Once again EvoM has lead me to the right solution to my problem!

__________________________________________________ _____________

Location, Vehicle - CA, 2003 Evo 8 w/179,XXX miles

Current Issue: A/C Compressor does not turn on/engage. Blows warm air when A/C is on. Heater works fine.

What I've Done So Far: I took it to a shop and they did a complete system check. System has refrigerant and no leaks detected and said I need a new compressor and recommend I replace the receiver drier at the same time. I've attached the printout and a CHECK LIST & NOTES they provided me with for your viewing pleasure and possible feedback.





I've Searched EvoM: I have read through these two threads regarding my issue:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...c-problem.html
&
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ng-advice.html

What I plan to do next: Tap A/C Compressor with wrench to see if it engages/turns on. Check/measure air gap and, if needed, possibly replace or add shims as needed to be within spec (I was told shimming the compressor is useless if it does NOT turn on when tapped...is this correct?).

What I need help with: Aftermarket/Refurbished A/C Compressors - Who on here has picked up a New/Refurbished compressors on eBay or at a local parts store that works for your Evo 8?! I'm on a budget and cannot afford a new OEM compressor nor do I want to risk buying a used one on EvoM. I have a 3 month old baby boy and need this fixed sooner than later with the CA heat coming soon!

My Parts List: I found the following items on eBay and would like confirmation I have the correct parts if I NEED to go this route.

A/C Compressor # 77492 / OEM MSC90C - 6 Grove - $103.38 / Refurbished
Receiver Drier #RD10105C / OEM?? - $15.49
A/C Expansion Valve - Necessary? Recommended? # 31-3150 / OEM?? - $24.66

Cliff Notes:
1 - Anyone on EvoM have experience with ebay/aftermarket a/c compressors for your evo 8?
2 - Air Gap shims - Is tapping the compressor necessary to go ahead and add/remove shims to bring back to spec? Does the compressor need to turn on?
3 - Are my ebay part numbers correct if I need to go this route and do I need or is it recommended I replace the expansion valve at the same time as the compressor and drier?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Mike
SilverShadow03

 

Mike:

That isn't true. Tapping the compressor simply enables it to spin up if the electromagnet isn't making enough power to spin it on a perhaps oldish bearing.

My compressor wouldn't spin at all, I had a hole in my condenser, which I replaced, and still nothing. (that was step one though of course... since it's a pressure switch).

SO... if you're getting good pressure, you should absolutely check the gap (mine was JUST within spec) and adjust it accordingly (which I did) and then see what happens. Feel free to try tapping then if it still wont spin, although... at this stage, you'll likely have an idea of whether or not the bearings are in good order.

Be careful you don't blow your eye out with those stupid JESUS! rings.

Regarding used compressors etc. I wouldn't even worry about this whole thing until you spend the 89 cents or whatever, shoot your eye out, and tap away on the thing to see if it works.

To answer questions in case I missed them.

1. I do not. My advice, even though it's an extremely minimal way of risk mitigation... don't buy any used parts out of the Chicago area.

2. Tapping is not necessary. It's simply like giving someone a push down a slide on an unnecessarily humid day.

3. Can't help you on part numbers... but you can always check the mitsu parts websites, or the part # thread in here. I'd say again though... tackle that bridge when you get to it. I'm a big proponent of fixing what's broken through proper diagnosis, rather than simply throwing parts at a car until it works.

Ask if you have more questions.

 

Its probably the armature.Very common problem with EVO AC compressors. Search around for part numbers, its a fairly simple fix.

 

hear you go. https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...-c-clutch.html

 

ProPilot04 - Thank you for your reply and info...I was thinking on the same lines as you but wanted to make sure and not just assume. I'll measure the air gap and then, more than likely, follow the steps on the link sr20det91 posted.

sr20det91 - Thanks for the link ... I did not see that thread for some reason...I suck at searching but did try.

I'll update this thread as I progress.

Will measure the air gap this weekend and go from there.

 

Happy to help. Would hate to see someone waste a bunch of money on a new compressor when all it needs is a cheap part. It amazes how dumb/greedy dealers can be. They obviously know what the problem is, but they want to wrangle you into a $700 bill. Good luck with it.

 

The sad thing is... they'd probably just replace the compressor anyway.

They either have that on hand/can get it easier than the shims, or just don't feel like handling the fiddly bits/know that they actually CAN adjust the clutch.

Oye... my brain!

 

The only question I can somewhat help out on is the eBay compressors. I've installed a few on different cars over the last several years, and as far as I know they are all still working.

 

I agree with everyone saying for you to do the simple and cheap fix. It is a great solution for a DIY guy.
You guys bashing shops and dealers for wanting to put a new compressor on it, you need to look at it from their perspective. If they do the cheap fix, say the compressor works fine for 6 months, then maybe the compressor itself will take a dump, customer comes back pissed off because they JUST paid you to fix their compressor and now its broken again. Most customers dont get the technical side so explaining to them that something else broke and not what they just fixed gets pretty difficult because most customers dont want to hear that stuff.
You have to look at it from the shops point of view because in the end THEY are the ones who have to warranty their work. It is called COVER YOUR ***.
Just trying to give you guys a different perspective because I am a tech at a dealer and I also run a small shop at my house so I deal with all sides of this situation.

 

A good dealership or shop Should explain it all to a customer regardless of the technicallity. They should also state it could fix the problem or later along the road the compressor will need to be replaced. Itll be up to the customer what they want, afterall they are paying for it.

 

UPDATE:

Today I jacked up the passenger side of my evo at my dads house and measured the air gap. It was at .025mm and was probably closer to .028, which is out of spec (.012 - .020).

I removed the one washer and started her up and turned the A/C to MAX. IT WORKED! I turned her off and left a few minutes later and the A/C started back up with no problems....I left it on the whole ride home and was blowing ice cold the whole way. I only hope it lasts this summer.

I'll update my first post as well.

I would like to know how long this 'fix' lasted for you guys?