Sanden AC compressor

[Xaisk]

Hey guys its getting around that time of year..

and its miserable in Biloxi Mississippi right now..

especially without AIR CONDITIONER!

So ive been looking around and ive heard Sanden makes a mean AC compressor. (The Keihin one is flawed.. I wouldnt put one back on there..)
The main piston points on the Keihin one just happen to be where the gaskets and square covers are bolted on.

Ive been searching around for a site that sells Sanden compressors that arent remanufactures of the Keihin one that will fit my 88 Accord, but havent had any luck finding one.

Does anyone of you have a link to a site that sells the Sanden compressors and for how much do they sell?

If they are too much more expensive im probally just going to put a keihin one back on.

[Dr_Snooz]

I know the Sanden name has been batted around here lately, but I've never heard of them. The 3gs came with Keihin or NipponDenso compressors. The Densos are the ones you want. You can get them from Napa rebuilt, but they are pricey. The mount bracket and whatnot should come from the junkyard.

[nswst8]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/86-87...Q5fAccessories

I have this kit, haven't installed it yet. You will have to have your existing hoses modified. Any good a/c shop should be able to crimp the new fittings to your existing hoses.

If you order it directly from them, not thru ebay. It will save you $20. I paid $375.00 shipped.

[Xaisk]

Hm the aftermarket kit is really expensive...

I looked into the Denso ones.. 285 beats 400.

I dont have my mounting brackets or bolts anymore so I would have to def have to rip those out of the junkyard.

Would the Keihin brackets even hold the Denso compressor?

Also would the pipes that fat on the Keihin compressor work with the Denso one or would I have to buy completely new pipes? They should connect properly at the end that goes into the firewall.

(edit) Some links to some good remanufactured densos would be nice.

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.co...RMH191121.html

I found that link to a compressor.

Assuming that it doesnt come with a bracket I will need to buy new refridgerant pipes.
I had to saw the Keihin ones off because the bolts absolutely refused to break.

I have the Keihin condenser.. is that one compatable with the Denso compressor?

[Civic Accord Honda]

ewww sanden kill it fire
mine blew up in front of the comersery on base and scared the living crap out everyone

[accordion89]

the new facepalm is so great!

[nswst8]

Wow, I thought the sanden was the replacement to use over the denso, now I have pause and another excuse to buy something else.

[Xaisk]

Well.. Im still trying to figure out.. would the Keihin AC pipes fit the Denso or do I need the Denso pipes to connect to the Denso comp.

Also is the condenser for the Keihin compatible with the Denso compressor? After I get the pipes and Denso compressor theoretically I can plug em in.. Go have the system flushed.. and converted into the new refrigerant. right?

[Dr_Snooz]

I think you will need new hoses, but really, a quick trip to the junkyard will tell you for sure and you'll probably find decent hoses there if you end up needing them. Same goes for the bracket. I think you'll need one, but the junkyard will tell you for sure. Everything else is compatible, but you will want to replace the filter/dryer/receiver unit.

The flushing part of the equation occurs when you have everything apart. You pour the flushing solution into every component of the system and then blow it out with compressed air. If you put it all back together to take it somewhere so they can take it apart again, you're doubling your work and expense. The flush solution is a lot cheaper than what a shop is going to charge you and you'll care more that it gets done right.

By that point, the only part of the conversion left is to put on the new fittings.

[nswst8]

Keihin will not fit the Denso, to switch to the denso you will need the bracket and both hoses.

[Xaisk]

alright thanks for the info. Where can I get the flushing solutions? Would autozone, advance, or O reillys carry that kind of solvent?

Also while im down in the junkyward.. How can I tell which bracket and pipes are the right kind?

And one last question... In the junkyard.. some of the A/C systems are still stable and have freon in it. Should I just relieve the pressure on the valve into the air? (I know its bad but...) I dont have anything to capture the vapors.

(Edit) Before I forget..

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.co...RMH191121.html

That is the compressor I am going to order.. that is the correct Denso one right? It says it is compatable, but there is also another Denso compressor on the site too. Its about 50 bucks more expensive than this one.

Im planning on ordering the cheap one. Ill fire away and order it whenever I get a response to whether this is the right one or not. (I dont want to buy the wrong one and waste time/money)

[Dr_Snooz]

alright thanks for the info. Where can I get the flushing solutions? Would autozone, advance, or O reillys carry that kind of solvent?

Should be widely available at any store.

Also while im down in the junkyward.. How can I tell which bracket and pipes are the right kind?

Well, the right kind are going to have a Denso compressor attached to them. The wrong ones will have a Keihin...

And one last question... In the junkyard.. some of the A/C systems are still stable and have freon in it. Should I just relieve the pressure on the valve into the air? (I know its bad but...) I dont have anything to capture the vapors.

I'd be very surprised if they left R12 in a car. The environmental regs require them to drain all the fluids before putting them out. What you are probably finding is a pressure differential as a result of temperature changes.

(Edit) Before I forget..

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.co...RMH191121.html

That is the compressor I am going to order.. that is the correct Denso one right? It says it is compatable, but there is also another Denso compressor on the site too. Its about 50 bucks more expensive than this one.

Im planning on ordering the cheap one. Ill fire away and order it whenever I get a response to whether this is the right one or not. (I dont want to buy the wrong one and waste time/money)

The picture doesn't look right, but it could just be a stock photo of a generic compressor. It says Denso and it's probably better than no compressor at all, but something that cheap would give me the creeps. It's probably a Chinese piece of trash that is going to sound like it's full of ball bearing when it kicks on, last just long enough to get past warranty and end up leaving you right where you are now. I'd go with a Napa unit myself. They have their failings too, but they still get my vote when it's something I don't want to redo for a long time. Yeah, they are a lot more expensive, but you won't have to buy 6 of them before you get one that isn't completely broken.

Just my two cents.

[nswst8]

Whenever I flush a/c, I use denatured alcohol. Pick it up at any hardware store ie; home depot, lowe's, ace hardware. It will be in the paint section with the thinners.

I like it because of it multipurpose uses, clean burning fuel, multipurpose thinner and cleaner and it evaporates quickly. Which is idea for flushing a/c's.

And my honda master mechanic shop instructor uses it.

[Xaisk]

Hmm... Ill post one more before I hit the hay tnight.

http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.co...RMH191120.html

That was the other Denso compressor that was about 50 bucks or so more. Does that one look correct?

For the junkyard.. Ill take your word for it, but ill also ask them just to be safe haha.

I am trying to make sure I know what to look for in the junkyard, and order the correct part.

all 3geez will have the same compressor (I.E. one of those 2 Densos or a Keihin and will be exactly the same no matter what year the vehicle is right?)

I dont think ill have much trouble telling the difference. just trying to save time and money haha.

Anyways Thanks for the great answers Dr Snooz and Nswst8

[dlr1989]

Here is a pic of the contents of the Honda Keihin to Denso conversion kit that shows the compressor that Honda uses along with the bracket and hoses. You probably don't want to spend the dollars for the Honda kit, but the image may at least give you a clue to what the parts look like for one of the Denso compresors that Honda used and it's related parts.

[LX-incredible]

There 2 different denso models used on our cars, the 10P15E and the 10PA15E. The clutch and the manifold that mounts to the top of the compressor are very different and cannot be interchanged. The 10PA15E looks like the one in the picture above and has a 10 mm bolt to attach the inner portion of the clutch. The 10P15E has a nut and is about 1" longer in total length.

[nswst8]

Here is a pic of the contents of the Honda Keihin to Denso conversion kit that shows the compressor that Honda uses along with the bracket and hoses. You probably don't want to spend the dollars for the Honda kit, but the image may at least give you a clue to what the parts look like for one of the Denso compresors that Honda used and it's related parts.

Are these kits still available? What is the kit number. I have one installed. Just can't find the kit number.

[dlr1989]

The compressor pictured is indeed a 10PA15E. Here is pic of the back end of the compressor.


The the Honda part number of the kit is 38020-PJ0-R60. I just looked at Majestic Honda's web site and there is a note that states "May have been discontinued" in the parts list.

[DBMaster]

I have one of the Honda kits in my car that was installed in 1999. I recharged with R12 so it still cools about as well as the A/C in this car ever did. The compressor has been noisy for several years now and has oil on the front of it so I know the shaft seal leaks a bit. I have to add about a half-can of R12 at the beginning of every summer season. My mechanic and I think it only has a couple of years left in it. If you plan to keep the car a long time spring for a NEW compressor. I have personally installed remans before and they last about three years, tops. I have seen a few online that are sold outside of a kit, but they cost at least $300. For me, it will always be worth it since I have a deep seated intolerance of Texas summers.

My original Keihin was replaced by the dealer when the car was two years old so basically, it lasted for eight years. I think I have seen somewhere that the Keihin was referred to as the "eight year compressor." I will go with propane before I will go with R134a. One of the other members on this board had success with gas grill propane and a little butane (from a refill can for cigarette lighters). This blend requires no change of oil and actually cools as well or better, and at lower pressures, than R12. Before you go talking about turning your car into a rolling bomb remember that R134a is a hydrocarbon based refrigerant and is flammable as well. These cars do not have adequate condenser surface area so if you want to switch to R134a you should replace the condenser with a parallel flow type for good results. A new expansion valve wouldn't hurt, either. Flushing is only really necessary if your compressor failed violently and put metal particles into the system. The mineral based oil that mixed with the R12 will simply settle to the low points in the system and stay there. Thus, the need for PAG (synthetic) oil. Mineral oil is carried by R12 and propane, as well as by other replacement refrigerants, but not by R134a.

I am not an expert, by any means, but I have done a lot of reading about refrigerants. Even with R12 prices as they are I would stick with that if you like cold air. R134a "conversions" do not cut the mustard here in the summer.

[nswst8]

I agree with Mike! In Texas R134a does not cut it. I converted to R134a in 1997 in Florida(97-04) and it was adequate and it was okay in Connecticut (04-07).

I took it back to R-12 in Texas in 08.

[nfs480]

How hard is it to replace the expansion valve on these vehicles? The service manual makes it look like a bitch to get to.

[nswst8]

It's simple,

Remove glove box and cross brace that glove box attaches to.

Remove evap housing (It's like 3 bolts, a screw clamp and electrical connection)

Don't forget to unscrew suction and discharge hoses from evap at the firewall engine compartment.

Disassemble evap housing and remove evap. Remove dum dum tape around expansion valve and disconnect.

Easy day. Takes me about an hour.



Thanks for the kit number.

[nfs480]

What do you use to cap the hoses while they're apart, i'm concerned about dirt and moisture getting into the system while I have the evaporator housing out from under the dash. Also, do you have any tips for how to flush the system? I'm kind of confused on how exactly that's supposed to work.

[nswst8]

Plastic grocery bag and a rubber band or zip tie, tape.

To flush, use denatured alcohol pour into opening and blow out with compressed air if available. If not you'll have to disconnect each piece and got old school shadetree way. let it sit for a few minutes and drain. I also use a camelpak watering cleaning brush to assist. It's a perfect size to go thru most of the lines.

[Xaisk]

Alright I had a really succesful trip to the junkyard.

I pulled the 2 pipes, the bracket, and the compressor.



Pics there.

The long pipe.

I cut the insulation foam stuff off the outside of the pipe to inspect it for leaks or anything. It was good to go. Is that stuff nessasary?

The compressor.

Im debating on buying a new one or rebuilding this one.
How much is a rebuild kit for the Denso compressor and how difficult is it?

I want your recommendations.

Also your opinions on the condition of it based off the pictures I uploaded. Ill post some better ones later.