azscott

Thanks to both of you for the reply's. I had started to think it was something along those lines which is why I did not let the knuckle monkey do any further work on it. Hey it only cost me $25.00 total for his work and in the end he evacuated all of the freon too so no big deal. If I had the ability to recharge the system I would do the whole repair myself...but I don't. Obviously no R12...and I don't have any way to vac out the system once I open it up to replace parts. If Nissan gives some outrageous quote i will do it myself....actually the srvice manager told me if was going to be expensive in parts and labor that he would let me know so I could do it myself and just bring it back in when done so they can refill the coolant. Which is fine as he was cheaper than the local idiot. Scott

I made an appointment with the dealer..which i was going to do originally but they are twice the distance....anyway they said they doubt it was a clog too. Probably a switch cycling the compressor on and off. Thanks for all the help for now...we will see what they say. May still fix it myself but will let them troubleshoot it first. Thanks

Well what would cause a vacuum to be detected on the low pressure side.....a defective technician doing the diagnosis.....or? Here is what I know is happening...the AC blows cold for maybe 5 minutes and then cycles from cold to warm. I can see how the temp sensor would shut it off (if there is one and they said there is)....if there is an obstruction? Is there anything else to consider. I just had a feeling they were shotgunning the diagnosis...replace it all and one of the parts SHOULD fix it. Also...I figured for that money I could buy the vacuum pump, parts and all and still be ahead of the game. Scott

That is kinda what I was thinking. I think they just go to the easy fix....compressor/expansion valve and drier and then figure...well that should fix it. I think I will order the valve and replace it and blow the system out. then take it to a different place to have it drawn down and charged. I don't have anyway to draw a vacuum on it myself. A good question is....should you have it drawn under a vaccum as quickly as possible after blowing it out and reinstalling everything....would seem so as any moisture sitting around for any length of time would be bad! Any options for an alternative to R12 besides R134 that will actually work. R12 is darn expensive especially to recharge an entire system that was drained? I know there is freeze 12.....Autofrost and such. Just wish I could charge it myself....but if r12 is the only real option I will suck it up and have to pay the $140.00. Thanks Scott

I might take you up the compressor....I am not sold that mine is toast and I can swap yours in. Let me know cost to ship to 85338. I will cover shipping and will toss some extra scratch in for trouble and packing. Paypal? or a check...or..? scott

Well I am not sure the compressor is shot....they said well it makes noise. I ahve heard noisy compressors and that does not sound noisy...sure when you turn on the AC I can hear it run but not noisy...maybe a slight bearing noise but dang...my 2044 Taurus sounds the same. Now I know there is a plug in the system....so where would the most likely place be? They quoted my actually $1400.00 to fix it...me thinks NOT. So I had them evacuate the old R12...a total of 38 oz they pulled. So....would you be able to open the lines and blow out the lines.....if so...is there any components that would be harmed and should be bypassed from compressed air. I might replace the valve and the drier and the expansion valve as they said this is where the clog was. Although I am sure how they know...I think it is a guess. What are anyones thoughts......should it be fine to try and puge the system with compressed air to clear or find the plug. I don't mind the cost of the drier and expansion valve.....but would like to fix the obstruction first before dropping 4 bills on a compressor. Scott

....let me consider that...I have to go pick it up from the shop tonight and actually see how bad things are. I mean if they cleared the blockage and the compressor is fine...maybe I don't need one....or maybe I do. I know it was replaced about 6 years ago by Nissan as I have a receipt in a pile of receipts the original owner gave me. So i find it odd that it whent out that quick. We all know how repair shops can be. scott

They are evacuating the system today for me...so it is clean...I will leave the broken compressor in until I have a replacement so that no moisture gets in. Thanks Scott

...good words of wisdom....I had thought about a rebuild but then I remember going through tons of rebuilt starters on my F-150...Carbs on my F-250...they were all junk. Thanks for the link....not a bad price for the compressor and valve delivered. How was the chore of replacing it.? ANything odd to know or is fairly obvious and straightforward. I will have to take back in for the R12 recharge obviously. Scott

Had problems with the AC..blowing cold..then hot..then cold...and so on. Took it to a local AC shop and they said that the compressor was going...actually their words were.."coming apart". Also he said he was picking up vacuum on one of the pressure sides..not sure which one..will find out. Apparently there is a blockage..and this is causing the temp sensor to kick off the AC...then when the temp drops it will allow it run and blow cold again...hence the on again off again cold air thing. Well, of course, they want like $1200.00 to replace the compressor, expansion valve and drier..plus evacuate and refill. So I am having them vacuum the system dry and replace it myself....I have 1200.00 bucks..but it is for body and ssuspension lift mods. Anyway, anyone ever replace their compressor (must have) and how much of an issue is it on the Pathfinder. Anything I should know before doing it. Might as well go with either Freeze 12 or R134 when i recharge now. Any words of wisdom...and NO...running no AC here in Az is not an option...:-) Any good source for reliable compressor..used or? Scott

Well..just picked up this extremely well taken care of 1987 Pathfinder. Has the sport package although I am not sure if it was an install package or the actual sport version with the LSD. I bought it from the original owner...yep..the original owner from day one. This guy took care of this like I have never seen anyone before. He kept it garage everyday and out of the deadly Phoenix sun...so the paint looks like it is brand new..and I mean brand new...it looks better than most SUV's that are 2 years old. he kept every service record and even the dealer sticker...with all the added options. Anytime this thing buroed he fixed it. When he replaced the timing belt..he replaced the water pump and such...twice...just because he was there. Other than a few minor issues it is in remarkable condition....AC needs a charge...rear window needs a hinge and that is about it. Well of course it needs a lift....kinda low for my taste...but in time. Wish i could have snapped a better pick but too hot to sit outside for a photo op. Can't wait to do some lifting...and a few minor mods...nothing too nuts...will use it offroad 4x4 for sure. Kinda feel bad about taking such a mint sled and exposing it to offroad conditions...but oh well...that is what it is was built for:-) Scott