Will leaving an a/c compressor off my car for 5 or more months ruin the whole a/c system?

Asked by k90n90w Apr 05, 2014 at 12:43 PM about the 1996 Honda Civic Coupe EX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought my 96 Honda Civic EX in Oct. 2013 but didn't start driving it until Dec. 2013.
The man I bought the car from removed the a/c compressor from my car and said that it
needed to be replaced. I'm not sure how long he had it off for but I've been driving it for
about 5 months w/o it. Now that it's getting hot outside and I drive a lot for my job I
would like to replace it but from what a shop told me is that I might need to replace
more than just the compressor, condenser, and drier. Just hoping someone can give
me some advice on what I can do about this. Thanks to anyone who can help.

3 Answers

200,965

When ac systems have been open for a while it is advised to replace the items you listed. Moisture and trash enters the system. Most new compressors will not give you a warranty if you don't replace all the items listed. I advise to replace them to avoid future issues.

I probably should have said this before but I was already going to replace those three parts but the the shop that I talked to said that I may have to replace more than that because my system is contaminated from being open for so long. Just trying to see if anyone has had a similar problem and had to replace more or was ok with just those three parts. Thank you though for your answer : )

465

K, Never buy a car with parts missing/removed even if it was for free most of the time the money you thought you "saved" on the front end you end up putting out on the back end and you are inheriting someone else's headaches.

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