Air Conditioning Compressor for DC5R - DIY?

[hauskp]

The AC in my DC5R has packed it in, it has been tested and there is pressure in the system, it is not leaking, the fuses and relay have been checked and voltage test shows 12v at the compressor. So unfortunately it appears that the compressor needs to be replaced.

The quote from Honda for the repair is $2,000. I suspect much of this is labour, however looking at the service manual for the car it does not appear to be that difficult to do and just time consuming.

My thinking is that maybe I should just buy a compressor and do it myself and then pay a specialist to regas it once I am finished.

Does anyone have any experience with this, is this something that is doable yourself? Are there any tricks?

Is the part the same as the RSX overseas? It appears I can get an RSX compressor for $425:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Acura-RSX...wAAOSwmrlUtTPa

Will this fit?

[butter]

Can you turn the compressor over by hand? Is it seized?
How often did you use your A/C?
Does your radiator fans switch on when you try and turn on your A/C?

[wpg81]

Butter is giving good advice! A seized compressor is bad news! A repair is not only compressor but Tx valve, reciver drier (ac filter), flush out the whole system and often replacement of the condenser. Failure to do this will cause the compressor to fail again if contaminated by particles left in system. Reciver drier should be replaced every two years or with exposure to atmosphere. If it's not seized,doing compressor and reciver drier is not hard, new o rings must also be replaced. With a sample any local ac guy will have them for $5-10.