I'm planning on taking my Elky to the shop soon to get an estimate on getting the AC fixed...I was wondering if any of you know how much to expect it to be...

My dad and I were working on my engine at the end of December before my license road test, and he leaned on a tube and heard air come out of it. It's a tube for the AC, we know that much, and we're guessing that that's what would be causing the problem if it's leaking.

It's a metal tube, if that makes any difference.

I really don't know anything about ACs. My mom's AC in her car recently went out, and she got it fixed for $600. (It was the compressor.) Does that sound reasonable, or overpriced? (I'm on a tight budget because I'm still paying off my Elky, and I can't afford to be screwed out of any money).

Thanks so much!

~Ger

Depends on which pipe or hose he broke. If it's the manifold hose assembly at the compresser, then the assembly itself is under a 100 bucks and factor in about 2 hours shop time to replace with evacuation and recharge plus refrigerant. If it is near the firewall, then he may have broken the the hose or evaporator core header. If that is the case then probably closer to 500. If the shop wants to replace the accumulator, (recommended, especially if you have a leaking system, add another 50-70 bucks.)

Labor times as per Mitchell Labor Est Guide:

Manifold hose assembly = .05
Accumulator = .06
Evaporator core = 1.5
Evacuate and recharge = 1.4

Depending on the extent of damage and needed repair, you may consider converting the system to 134a if it isn't already.