scrolls to recips

[machery]

I noticed a thread from a couple days ago about someone changing out a recip compressor to a scroll.....How many of you have replaced a scroll with a recip? I have done several on units out of warranty where the customer did not want to replace the entire unit or system. I have always used a techumseh and had great results along with a good flush when needed, suction line drier depending on severity of burnout, and vacuum. Some guys have said it shouldn't be done, but I have. Scrolls too, are an expensive replacement. My opinion, scrolls don't hold up as well as a recip, especially on a loss of charge situation where the unit goes into a vacuum for a long period of time, or should I say for a scroll, a short time before death!

[beenthere]

Depends what size compressor.

Are you matching the compressor up for performance, or just putting the same BTU size in.
You should match them for performance.

[t527ed]

would never consider doing it, my scroll reliabilty has been incredible.

if anything install a scroll with pressure switches for protection.

[RDP]

Why not put back what goes back...........when posible.

[forcryinoutloud]

We always replace with what was there originally. If the system does not have high or low pressure safeties we will add them.

In warranty or out of warranty, it doesn't matter.

[beenthere]

Why not put back what goes back...........when posible.

He's trying to save the customer money.

[derbysr]

especially on a loss of charge situation where the unit goes into a vacuum for a long period of time, or should I say for a scroll, a short time before death!

what is a long peroid of time ? 5 minutes or 3 days

[t527ed]

He's trying to save the customer money.

sorry, i won't give myself problems to save them money.

something happens down the road its one of those things that can come back to bite you in the @ss.

[beenthere]

I don't recommend for or against it.

If in an emergency, I can't get a scroll or recip of the right size. I'll use the other.

[machery]

especially on a loss of charge situation where the unit goes into a vacuum for a long period of time, or should I say for a scroll, a short time before death!

what is a long peroid of time ? 5 minutes or 3 days

Anytime in a vacuum is too long, but in most cases, one doesn't no how long a system ran like that. I've had many on a heat pump that were bad, no-one knowing untill the unit was switched over to cooling, then noticed no cooling. Turns out, the aux heat did the heating, as well as the unusually high electric bill from winter......Some compressors had already failed and tripped breakers, some were still running, but were full of the green slime.

[machery]

Depends what size compressor.

Are you matching the compressor up for performance, or just putting the same BTU size in.
You should match them for performance.

I'll match them up BTU wise, as close as possible. AS far as performance, after charging, the pressures are very close or at it according to the units chart or specs. Worse case, it might knock the SEER rating down a point or so, but at that point, the customer just wants it fixed.

[machery]

sorry, i won't give myself problems to save them money.

something happens down the road its one of those things that can come back to bite you in the @ss.

How can it give problems? If the replacement is installed properly and pressures are within factory specs, how can it get you? I've had no problems yet.

[beenthere]

On A/Cs under 3.5 ton. A recip that is rated 2000 to 4000 BTU less then the scroll will provide the same BTUs as the scroll did.

Next time you do one.
Also check the amp draw compared to a scroll of the same BTU rating.