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Collateral damage when compressor fails (long) Posted by JerseySaab [Email]  (#666) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from JerseySaab) on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:11:54
In Reply to: Re: I saw that $67 one, vtsnaab   [Profile/Gallery]
, Sat, 19 May 2012 07:04:09
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Generally speaking when a compressor fails it throws debris into the system. When this happens the drier can't be flushed out and has to be replaced. Parallel flow condensers can't be successfully flushed either, the flushing medium just bypasses the tubes clogged with debris in favor of the clear ones. (I believe the evaporator is a serpentine type that can be flushed out.)
I have a pump that pulls 30" vacuum, the system holds it over several hours (haven't tested longer), though that's no guarantee it won't leak under pressure of course.
In the case of this car the A/C performance has been marginal at best since I purchased it over a year ago. Last year I converted to Enviro-Safe and replaced the drier, flushed all the old oil out, and made sure the proper amount of the correct (PAG 46) oil was inside. Didn't make much of a difference, though the Enviro Safe cooled slightly better.
Now it has suddenly stopped cooling completely. Gauges show that when the compressor engages there is very little action. Rest pressure is about 90 PSI, so there should be a decent refrigerant charge. The low side settles in around 60 PSI, high side about 100 PSI with the compressor engaged and engine running at 1500 RPM. (No need to hot-wire it, the compressor engages when "Auto" setting is selected on ACC.) However, the compressor turns easily and smoothly by hand, no roughness or binding indicating a major mechanical failure.
I have not had time to investigate more thoroughly yet. Initial indication is that the compressor is just not pumping, but I'll be looking at it more carefully and won't actually purchase parts until I know for sure what's happening. The condenser is pretty beat up, lots of closed fins restricting airflow. I've tried to open them up as much as possible but it's still pretty much a mess, so it should probably be replaced in any event.
It's no problem having the car down for a while as I have other vehicles, and the A/C in my old C900 works great.
, Fri, 18 May 2012 23:19:01, Fri, 25 May 2012 12:24:23, Sat, 19 May 2012 10:47:12, Sat, 19 May 2012 05:31:46, Sat, 19 May 2012 05:50:47, Sat, 19 May 2012 06:29:45, Sat, 19 May 2012 07:04:09, Sat, 19 May 2012 10:11:54 <-- Viewing This Message, Sat, 19 May 2012 10:54:51, Sat, 19 May 2012 11:13:14, Sat, 19 May 2012 13:06:45, Sat, 19 May 2012 13:23:34, Sat, 19 May 2012 13:45:55, Sat, 19 May 2012 15:11:17, Sat, 19 May 2012 05:57:46
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