A/C Compressor Failure

[col wolf]

HELP!

My air conditioner compressor has failed (1990-ZR1). The root cause seems to have been a failure in the temperature regulation system. Silly me forgot to turn the air conditioner off while I was on track, and the compressor hooked up and stayed hooked up until it seized. (about four laps)

I had the compressor and clutch rebuilt by Nippon Denso. It failed again, within a couple of hours. Second time was obviously due to inadequate cleaning/removal of metal particles from first failure. Compressor has been rebuilt by Nippon Denso a second time and is back in car. The system is as clean as we can get it, but mechanic has no confidence that he has cleaned the condensor and evaporator sufficiently.

Mechanic has removed all particles from the gauze trap but he did this last time and there was still some matter left in the system somewhere.

How can we clean the system without removing (or replacing evaporator and condensor) It looks to be an awfully big job to remove the evaporatorr out from behind the dash board.

A plea for help from Down Under


Col Wolf

 

[JonM]

http://www.delanet.com/~pparish/flushing.htm

 

[Ken]

I'm surprised Chris hasn't jumped in here. Oh wait, he's tied-up--give him time. I don't know squat about a/c.

_ken

 

[bradfordsvettes]

the only suggestion i have is gm does sell inline filters to catch the debris it may need to be replaced more than once over time but may save the the a/c pump :dance steve

 

[LarryBible]

Yes, you need to use a suction side inline filter. You will be able to get something from your local automotive a/c supply house. They are usually part of an auto a/c repair business.

Even with the filter, you MUST thoroughly flush the system, followed by reverse flush, then flush everything, then flush, followed by a flush and then top that off with three or four good flushings. Replace the filter drier and all o-rings. Break all connections, you cannot properly flush through the entire system or even two or three components still connected together.

Flushing the evaporator and condensor is very difficult because it is hard to get the flushing agent to make all those turns bringing all the debris with it. You may very well have to remove them both to get them cleaned out.

As you have learned, unless you THOROUGHLY flush the ENTIRE system after a compressor failure, the history is bound to repeat itself.

Hang in there.

 

[Vrotate]

A/C repair

Yes, for sure put in a inline filter drier...

There is also a product called 'Acid Away'. We put it in all A/C compressor failures. When the compressor siezes or burns up a large amount of acid is created. This product neutralizes the acid so it won't burn up your next compressor.

There are a few ways to rid your system of acid...

The best way is a filter drier, new compressor, and a bottle of acid away.

The other way is to replace the condensor coil and the evaporator coil.

You can pick up a bottle of Acid Away at any A/C supply house.
If you do anything to it, get a filter drier.

Good luck

Vrotate

 

[LarryBible]

I didn't know that acid was a big problem. The biggest reason for flushing after compressor failure is to get the particulate matter out of the system.

Also, I forgot that these cars have an accumulator which serves as the filter drier and it must be changed in this event. Additionally you should find and add a "suction side filter." It should be installed just before the inlet to the compressor.

Good luck,