Scroll compressor with blown terminal

[mantis666]

Hi,
My A/C failed the other day and the cause was traced down to a terminal blowing out of the scroll compressor outside, which is now slowly leaking Freon. Is that something that can be repaired, or does it pretty much mean the compressor itself has to be replaced? It just seem so silly to me that such an expensive piece of equiptment is brought down such a relatively simply failure. The system is just over 10 years old.

Now my second related question, can the compressor be replaced by itself or must the entire condenser unit (compressor, fan..etc) be replaced.

Would either of these be cost effective ways of fixing it, and should I be offered this choice by my prospective installer(s)? Note that I have no desire to try and do any of this myself, I just want be sure I'm getting an honest list of repair options.

I have alredy been quoted on a replacement condensor, and new condenser + air handler.

I appreciate any info you can provide.

[Edited by mantis666 on 09-12-2006 at 06:18 PM]

[Wild Leg]

Blown compressor terminals are not repairable.

A compressor only has a 1 year warranty on the part, and you still have an old unit. (think "heart transplant")

A new outdoor unit has at least a five year parts warranty, but at best will be somewhat mismatched.

A complete system will deliver higher efficiency, plus a longer warranty.

[HVAC Pro]

No, the compressor with the blown terminal cannot be repaired.

Yes, the existing unit can be repaired by replacing the compressor.

If the condenser is replaced with anything more efficient than 10 SEER, you would be wise to insist that a matching evaporator coil be installed as well.

[a/c-harris]

you said it was over 10 years old, so I would recommend at least outdoor unit replacement. If you can afford to replace the system, that would be best.

[jim baughman]

common problem this year...changed a few myself for the same reasons and they were not that old either. But they have to be changed and can not be repaired. The cost of doing this job properly includes acid treatment (just in case), drier, freon, compressor, labor, etc...it would be justified to change the unit given the age. But if you change the outside unit, then I would advise going with a new inside unit as well. You will not have long before it starts giving trouble too....and the efficiency would be much better with the matched set. In the long run you should probably change the entire system. Make sure they include a new thermostat and larger pad with the quote.

[mantis666]

Thank you all, I appreciate the help.

I am now in process of gathering qoutes for a new system, and I will very likely be doing a full replacement.

I live in Florida, so in the meantime, I will be suffering through some pretty warm nights.

[HVAC Pro]

Originally posted by mantis666
Thank you all, I appreciate the help.

I am now in process of gathering qoutes for a new system, and I will very likely be doing a full replacement.

I live in Florida, so in the meantime, I will be suffering through some pretty warm nights.

Good move. With a quality installation you will be happy with your decision for years to come.