Re: 2001 LW200 Manual, No A/CThanks for the info Bob.
I am not against turning wrenches, but have not yet done too many repairs
on this model Saturn. Plus the fact the LW200 with a manual tranny is
rare makes me think twice about any experience others might have.
I plan to do this at either a reputable AC shop that I already am
familiar with or the dealer (most likely the former), but as I am
ignorant in regards to rebuilding, compatibility, etc I thought I would
try here first.
I will be on the phone, and if the AC shop will install a part I bring
them I will truly shop around. However nothing sucks more than getting a
part that doesn't fit - the M/S cylinder on my 1978 E-250 was different
than any printed reference. It took three trips to get a unit that fit.
In this case I am not against a rebuilt compressor, as we may not keep
the car too many years more. But i am just trying to gather info at this
point.
"Bob Shuman" <no_spam_thx@sbcglobal,net > wrote in
news:L6oxj.8188$xq2.3945@newssvr21.news.prodigy,net :
> Me personally, I would never use a salvaged compressor. The labor
> involved with evacuating the system and replacing the compressor will
> far exceed the price of the part, and a used one may fail prematurely
> requiring you to go through this again (very soon).
>
> I have had pretty good luck with purchasing compressors over the
> Internet for this purpose. You can look on Ebay, and also at several
> of the online auto parts places to get an idea of the cost. You
> should be able to find a new compressor for a few hundred dollars or
> rebuilt ones for even less than that.
>
> I'd also have who ever does the work replace the accumulator/dryer too
> while the system is opened, especially if you plan to keep the
> vehicle for a few more years. More than likely the A/C belt is also
> shot if the bearings were worn out and froze up, so will need
> replacement.
>
> This all said, unless the compressor or dryer are particularly
> difficult to get at on that vehicle , the job is not too terribly
> difficult for a shop that has some experience and the right equipment.
> It involves reclaiming the refrigerant, removing the compressor and
> dryer, flushing the lines to make sure there is no debris from the
> defective compressor, installing the replacement parts, and then
> evacuating the system overnight to make sure it is not leaking before
> refilling it with the correct amount of refrigerant and lubricant.
>
> Use the phone to shop around and do not accept the first quote you
> received from the dealer. Just make sure you are comparing apples to
> apples (new vs. rebuilt compressor, replacing the dryer or not,
> flushing the system or not). Good luck!
>
> Bob
>
> "Steph" <CUT_skipatrol@hotmail,com _CUT> wrote in message
> news:Xns9A51A1CDB6097skipatroluunet@130.191.3.6...
>> The verdict from the dealership is a bad compressor.
>> He is quoting $1070.00 for parts and labor to install a new
>> AC compressor shipped out from Tennessee. That does not include
>> the refrigerant fill I believe.
>>
>> The tech also listed the Intermediate Steering Shaft as needing
>> replacement ($266 P&L).
>>
>> For the A/C, does anyone have a part number for the compressor, and
>> is it worth trying to get a used one from a salvage yard? This is a
>> LW200 with the 4 cylinder (not the V6). Are the compressors
>> "rebuildable"? Also I have a paper trail of complaints about the AC
>> compressor making loud noices when engaging (during intial startup as
>> well as driving). I really believe those noises were indicative of an
>> impending failure - which of course happens outside the extended
>> maintenance period. Anyone have a contact name/address that I should
>> see about meeting me halfway on the repair? Anyone had any luck
>> doing this? We have had Saturns since 1994, and this is our fourth.
>> Plus three on my in-laws side. but we had a lot of trouble getting
>> repair issues resolved on this vehicle (the L200 with manual and
>> 4-cylinder is a pretty rare combination out here).
>>
>> The steering shaft I am wondering if it is a common part to replace,
>> or maybe the result of damage from the car being hurtled 10 feet up a
>> hill by our neighbor (car was parked with e-brake and in gear on the
>> hill at the time). Unfortunately, if it was a result of the impact I
>> don't think I can ammend the claim 10 months later :(
>>
>>
>>
>> Steph <CUT_skipatrol@hotmail,com _CUT> wrote in
>> news:Xns9A48587A1598Bskipatroluunet@130.191.3.6:
>>
>>> We wouldn't want to violate the speed of light or murphy's law.
>>> Our 2001 LW200 with a 5-speed manual tranny ran out of extended
>>> coverage last June and now is showing signs of semi-annual
>>> irritations.
>>>
>>> Some might recall me posting in August/September of it acting as if
>>> it were a flooded carbeurated engine. Well no matter that has only
>>> reoccurred once or twice, and I am 85% sure it is due to DW's
>>> driving.
>>>
>>> However, for years I complained to Saturn Service about the unsually
>>> loud "clunk" after initial engine starting. This was explained to me
>>> as a normal toggling of the A/C compressor to keep the parts
>>> lubricated. Whatever.
>>>
>>> But Saturday DW calls and says the A/C quit.
>>> When I checked the car I found that toggling the AC button, or
>>> switching to defrost did not suddenly load up the engine, raise the
>>> RPMs, or give off an audible clunk as the compressor engaged.
>>>
>>> Are there diagnostics I can run by toggling button combinations?
>>> Will anything show up with a scan reader? I was hoping maybe it is
>>> a fuse or solenoid - but where I have no idea. Woudl I be better
>>> tacking it Saturn, or an A/C shop?
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>