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So my compressor on my 1986 4Runner has withered and died. I know with the shift from R12 to R134A i may not be able to just replace the compressor itself. Wanted to poll the forum on this.
I can get the compressor itself from YotaShop for ~$400-$500 OR can get the below full rebuild kit that replaces every single part the coolant flows through, compatible with R12 or R134A for $1,215. This is of course a large difference, do I really need the full rebuild kit?
RockAuto has several kits for less than $200. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...nent+kit,17507 These include the PAG "oil," the thermal expansion valve (TXV), receiver and a full o-ring kit. This did the trick for me. Unless you have reason to believe you have a bad hose, I don't think you need to replace them (or the condenser or the evaporator). Note that the kit you found (through Reddit?) doesn't have the ends made up; you'll still have to go to an A/C shop to get that done.
Note that any compressor manufacturer will warn ominously that there is no warrantee unless you can prove you flushed the system. You can borrow a tool for that (and buy the solvent) from Autozone.
If you want to charge the system DIY, you'll need a vacuum pump and gauges. I have had great luck with the ones I got from Harbor Freight.
IF you have some pressure in the system, you can't just dump that into the air (very illegal). You'll need to go to a shop and have them recover it. You can still do the rest of the repair and charge it yourself, or bring it back to the shop (but I'll bet you'll get push-back if you do the repair yourself.)
the Denso compressor that should fit your unit is $287.00 on Amazon. 471-0133. It comes preloaded with 100cc of PAG oil (I called Denso to confirm). That's enough oil for the entire system. Dont forget to get a new R&D.
Replacing O-rings is actually pretty easy. You can either buy a kit, or get genuine Toyota. There's three sizes. You'll need mostly small and medium, the large ones should come with the compressor. you'll need a small bottle of PAG oil to lubricate the o-rings as you install.
I tried borrowing a vacuum pump from AutoZone, but it just wasn't strong enough to pull down to 29 inches, so I got a cheap one likeScope103 mentioned that was twice the hp and it worked great.
I'm not.
One note: The evap box behind the glove box comes out much easier than you might think. And if it's like mine was, it will be full of leaves and debris.
... The evap box behind the glove box comes out much easier than you might think....
Technically true, but still a chore.
A necessary one, though. You'll probably want to replace the TXV and probably flush the evaporator in there, and even if not, you have to get the leaves and dust. .
@scope103 Have you noticed any quality issues with the kit you ordered given it is not a Denso compressor but rather all UAC branded? The RockAuto options are below. Seems like the option you chose is the most affordable. If I want to go closest to OE I can do Denso reman for ~$247 and then get a Denso R/D for $50 and OEM TXV for $62 from YotaShop. eBay has 4Seasons branded o-rings for about $20.
Of course, that is a couple hundred more in parts. Not sure it is worth it if you have had a good experience with the more affordable kit.
Separately, does "shipping oil only" mean the compressor does not come pre-filled with the spec amount of PAG oil? I see a few compressors are marked "shipping oil only" and just wasnt sure what that meant.
Last edited by fmarquette; Jan 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM.
The system will need 100 cc of PAG oil. Just take the new compressor, remove the shipping plates they installed where the service manifolds go, and pour the oil into a graduated measuring cup and see how much they put in.
You'll need to remove the service manifolds off your old compressor, so don't discard or return as part of a core! You might want to install R134 adapters onto the charge valves at this point. They're cheap. It makes connecting/disconnecting the R134 hose connections faster than using the R12 fittings.. Also, R134 suction and discharge ports are different sizes so you can't accidentally get them crossed up.
The Denso receiver drier, 478-0101 is $24.00 on Amazon. It'll come with new o-rings.
The Denso Expansion valve 475-0101, is $30.00 on Amazon. It'll have o-rings, too.
I've gotten both this way. Dk gold/dk blue box. They are genuine.
Denso is very good about supplying instructions with the parts you buy. One word of caution, though. They'll have suggestions for adding PAG oil to the part you're installing. Don't do this. Your compressor will have a full charge. Those instructions are intended for someone that's just replacing that single part, like the R/D, not cleaning and retrofitting an entire system.
Jan 21, 2025 | 01:42 PM
