Anyone have any experience with Amazon/ebay compressors?

[GMBDguy]

I need to replace my compressor and have noticed some quite inexpensive units on Amazon. I'm sure they are all chinese clones. Are these worth it for a DIYer on a budget?

Unit I a replacing is a 6seu14c on a toyota.

[Diametric]

I need to replace my compressor and have noticed some quite inexpensive units on Amazon. I'm sure they are all chinese clones. Are these worth it for a DIYer on a budget?

Unit I a replacing is a 6seu14c on a toyota.

Hello GMBDguy!

What a timely question.

My thoughts.....
There's a very good reason the cheap ones are cheap. The internal parts are most likely low cost, lacking the platings, hardness or finishes that are present in better units. I think you mostly get what you pay for. The cheapest ones will likely fail after a short time if they work at all. I just finished tearing apart 4 or 5 old compressor clutches and you get a feel for what can be cheap and how it affects longevity.
In cheap compressors, the bearings are likely sub par, the seals are probably low grade materials and the metals inside are likely cast under high tolerance specs. Mind you I'm just guessing, but it's not a blind guess

So why did I buy a few cheap compressors? Mainly curious. I wanted to see for myself how long a cheapie could last if it got the best care possible (best oils, periodic inspections etc). I have a fleet of vehicles. Nothing fancy, mostly older cars. Some I only use very occasionally so I can afford for it to be down. I have all the equipment to do A/C work and it's a hobby. If I have a catastrophic compressor failure..oh well...it just sits a few weeks until I get to it. I'm fortunate to have that luxury. Many do not.

If you plan to keep the vehicle and it's your primary vehicle, I would not cheap out on the compressor. It's the heart of the system. It hurts, but the price buys you longevity mostly and also efficiency.
Mind you I don't do A/C work professionally but I do it enthusiastically and try to learn as much as I can. I haven't had my vehicles into any shop for over 20 years. Probably more like 30+ years. You learn a lot the more you work at it.

I plan to come back here and post when the first cheap compressor fails, how it failed and final thoughts on cheapie compressors.

Let's see what others and the experts have to say. My opinions are just one.
Let us know what you ultimately do.
Best wishes

[JohnHere]

Kindly be mindful that ACKits.com is a business and is the one-and-only sponsor of this Forum. ACKits.com has nothing to do with any other online businesses and auction sites. Please be sensitive to this and refrain from posting the names of potentially competing businesses. See "Forum Rules," Numbers 9 and 16.

[Diametric]

JohnHere.....
I need to contact you privately concerning this message but I don't see a way to send you a private message?

[Tim]

I don't care for behind-the-scenes emails. I'll respond here.

Just me here at ACKits.com. Can't please everyone with what the website shows, how items are listed, or what's even available. I do some work for the largest AC distributors in the aftermarket business. What is listed compared to what's available on the website is certainly different. I respond to direct questions. I've been doing this for years. People have worn me out with their inquiries only to go Google shopping later. My time is valuable; I'm happy to help, but if the goal is to have me reseach all the tiny parts, then complain that an O-ring kit is $1.50. I'm kind of over that anymore. Not saying you did this. But I get calls and emails all day, just like what I mentioned. People don't respect others' time or even the cost to run this site where they get free information.

I checked your email address and found one email mentioning a donation. It also mentioned that you didn't like the ACKits.com website. I responded with the compressor inquiry in the email. If you wanted more information, you could have replied with more questions. If your point was that we supply a complete parts breakdown of a compressor to rebuild. I'm not a rebuilder and don't care to get into that business. Plus, where else are you finding a complete parts breakdown of a compressor? I've spent a lot of time looking up a $1.00 O-ring for someone, only for them to complain about freight or something.

I've looked many times at what's posted here by someone buying off Amazon and using this site for tech support. Many times, ACKits.com was cheaper. They simply don't look.

[Cusser]

Personally, I have made purchases from ACkits.com.
My 1988 Mazda truck still runs the evaporator I bought about 2000 plus the brand-new compressor and expansion valve from 2014, still R-12.

I believe I've purchased three other compressors for other vehicles through them, and my co-worker bought two (I installed).

Also purchased one automotive vacuum pump.

Support the sponsor, folks !!!

[JohnHere]

JohnHere.....
I need to contact you privately concerning this message but I don't see a way to send you a private message?

There's no way that you can contact me or other members privately through the Forum. In addition, I don't subscribe to any social media, and none of my personal information is available on the Internet. In effect, I'm "invisible."

The best thing to do is continue posting as you did previously, being mindful of the tips that the moderators pointed out, and reviewing the Forum Rules beforehand, as every member should.