AC compressor interchangeability? DCV14G vs DKV14G

[snoutmeat]

Hey crew-

 

My 2000 Outback Wagon (Limited) has been squeaking/squealing a little from the AC compressor. Just yesterday, when I found a half-full bottle of refrigerant on the garage shelf, I thought I'd check the system's current operation. I noticed that the squealing is a lot worse now. Checked the tension and it's fine, so I think it's either a tensioner that's seizing, a compressor that's seizing, or a compressor clutch that's slipping. 2 of those 3 outcomes mean a new compressor. Not urgent, but there's a road trip to Nevada in June that will definitely need AC (probably not before then). 

 

So...I see on Amazon that there are 2 compressors listed for my car -- the DCV14G and the DKV14G. The rebuilt DCV14G is $120. The DKV14G is several hundred more. I checked mine under the hood, and I have a DKV (the expensive one). Does anyone out there know the difference between the DCV and DKV? Googling has not gotten me anywhere, and an Impreza-owning friend said that the NASIOC people would know...but no reply to my question over there. Does anyone know what the difference is between the two models? Will the cheaper one work on my car, especially considering that some Subarus of my era apparently came with the DCV model? I'm wondering if one compressor is higher capacity or something....

 

In the meantime...easiest way to confirm what's causing problems is, I'm guessing, to pull off the cover and belt and try spinning the components by hand? Oh, just typing this here makes me realize it's not the idler because that one's always engaged, and the squealing only happens when the AC or defrost is on. In addition, when I had the pressure gauge on the AC system yesterday, and the system was just giving me an occasional "chirp", I could see the PSI on the gauge blip upward in sync with the chirp. That tells me it's the compressor itself (not the idler). I think the gauge jumped up when it squeaked. Now I'll have to research more to see if that means the compressor is suddenly working or not working when it squeaks (to make the gauge go up).....

 

Thanks!

[Crazyeights]

Is the belt tight and in good condition?

[Fairtax4me]

Your belt may have a hard spot. Try replacing that first.

 

Also could be the harmonic balancer separating and it only squeaks when trying to drive the compressor. Draw a line across the sections of the pulley to see if the outer section is slipping.

[Rooster2]

I did a little research in your behalf. Going to the website of Advance Auto Parts, I checked what they sold for a 2000 Leggie. Their part number is 68445. I cut and pasted what Advance Auto advises below. It seems like there are two different vendors to Subaru, or maybe two different vendors to Advance. That seems unclear. Also, talks about a "running change" in model years meaning possible interchangeability? Don't know that this answers your question, but maybe sheds some light on the subject.

 

 

Please note: Advance Auto Parts is proud to carry comparable
exact-fit parts from multiple vendors, as such, the item you receive may
be one of two quality brands. Both brands meet the same fitment
requirements and are equal in their performance and specifications.

 

Product Application(s):

2000 Subaru Outback

• A/C Compressor and Clutch; Can Use 68445; CAN BE
  TOUGHONE OR FACTORY AIR PRODUCT DUE TO Running Change; New DCV14G
  Compressor w/ Clutch
• Can Use 68445; CAN BE TOUGHONE OR FACTORY AIR PRODUCT DUE TO Running Change; New DCV14G Compressor w/ Clutch

2003 Subaru Legacy

• A/C Compressor and Clutch; Can Use 68445; CAN BE
  TOUGHONE OR FACTORY AIR PRODUCT DUE TO Running Change; New DCV14G
  Compressor w/ Clutch
• Can Use 68445; CAN BE TOUGHONE OR FACTORY AIR PRODUCT DUE TO Running Change; New DCV14G Compressor w/ Clutch

[86 Wonder Wedge]

I'm only showing the DCV14G as the compressor used on the 00 Outback/Lego. I have a feeling the DKV and DCV are not interchangable due to possibly different output pressures or maybe port locations. (Even though RockAuto has the DKV listed as the cross from Subaru's part number.)

 

Car-part.com shows AT LEAST 20 in my area (Akron, OH) for ~100 or less. Subaru also says they used this on the 00-03MY Legacy/Outback/Baja with the 2.5.

 

Also, the advance reference to a running change is about the brand name, not the consolidation of part numbers (in 99% of cases). So the factory air they might ship you will work/function the same as the Tough One they advertise.

Edited April 6, 2015 by 86 Wonder Wedge