Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: A/C repair or replacement, e mail address, r 134 refrigerant

Question
Hi! I have a 1993 Mitsubishi Mirage with over 108,000 miles that runs great but the a/c(Old R-12 type) stopped working this summer. I have a heart condition and really need the a/c. The mechanic who looked at it said that the clutch was bad and it would cost over $1000 to repair????  Should I just get a new a/c(R134) for it and where do you think I should go to have it done? (I live in lower Maryland by Ocean City in case you know someplace?) Thanks!

Answer
FOLLOW UP: A/C compressors run from $200 to $400.

OUCH, The cost seems to be quite excessive. If your ONLY problem is the A/C clutch, You can have it replaced without replacing the A/C compressor, PROVIDED the A/C compressor is OK.

Here is approx repair procedures and approx costs. I would recommend that you have the A/C system converted to the R-134a system.


1. Replace A/C clutch. ($45.00) (labor 2 hours).

2. Replace A/C compressor, IF NEEDED, ($200.00) (labor 4 hours). If A/C compressor is replaced DELETE the above # 1 as the clutch comes with the new compressor.

3. Replace the orfice tube, a good idea, If applicable to your vehicle. ($15.00) (labor 1 hour).

4. Evacuate the complete A/C system and install new R-134 refrigerant oil and refrigerant (freon). ($50.00) (labor 3 hours).

These are ONLY estimates, as prices vary upon geographical locations and repair facilities.


I do not have a staff of people helping me answer your questions, I do it all by my self, Therefore, Due to being retired and a 15 year old computer on a dial-up connection, I do my best to respond to questions within 3 to 4 hours due to the volume of questions I receive on a daily basis. If you require a faster response you can e-mail me directly at the below e-mail address as I check it more frequently.:

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Retired in New Mexico
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