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98 Legacy GT:

 

Haven't used the A/C in a few years, since it stopped working on its own from a slow leak.  So I fixed all the o-rings in the system.  Pulled vacuum on it today, and it was holding.  I then got R134a to charge the system with, a 19oz can(since the system specifies 19-23oz).  Got it charged up, and it works... but the compressor is squealing now.  The compressor seems to be sticking when the clutch engages on it now.  I can visually see the compressor having issues, and I verified the belt is tight.  When I rotate the compressor by hand, it moves, but not completely freely.

 

Does this mean my compressor is toast, and I need to replace it?  Or are there other things to check?

Edited by Speedwagon
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You could add some PAG or Ester oil to the system (whichever is in the system) to see if that helps, but I don't think your compressor is going to last very long. I am thinking PAG is in the system right now.  The two oils are not interchangeable.

Edited by Rooster2
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If me, I would buy one from a wrecking yard. It is not often that a Subie compressor goes bad,

 

Not something that you could really rebuild yoursef.

 

That's what I was thinking, wanted to be sure.  If I'm careful with removal, will I need to add any oil to the system after doing so?  Or will the JY compressor have all the oil it needs?

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That's what I was thinking, wanted to be sure.  If I'm careful with removal, will I need to add any oil to the system after doing so?  Or will the JY compressor have all the oil it needs?

There will be a little oil in the JY compressor. In my past experience, I swapped in a JY compressor, pulled a vacuum, then added 134a to proper level. Listen to the JY compressor in operation. If it sounds a little rough in operation, then add some oil. Pretty sure it uses PAG oil. Someone on this forum should verify that PAG is used. It is readily available at a car parts store. A small can can be easily added through the low port, where 134a is added to the system.

 

You could also just pour in a small amount of PAG oil into the compressor before installing.

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