[Shotimes] Even more a/c questions!

[Leigh Smith]

If the compressor failed as you said, then you have bits of it scattered 
through the system. The infamous "black death". This takes considerable 
effort to properly flush out.

The effort level you spend should probably be in direct proportion to 
how much longer you expect to keep the car. A new compressor with an add 
on "filter" is a temporary patch at best, and may kill your new $300 
compressor quickly, which will be warranty voided. Time length: Who 
knows? Typical used car lot tactic, BTDT.

To prorperly flush all the black death (metal, freon, oil, dirt,water, 
goo) from the system means a chemical flush. You can do it yourself with 
something as simple as paint thinner. Don't believe me? Go read the manual.

However the effort to remove all or most of that is great, even with an 
air compressor. Some components should just be removed and drained. Too 
much of a PITA when you think about the evaporator and the condensor 
coming out.

In the long run it is MUCH easier to let an AC shop do the chemical 
flush for you, since they have the very specialized and expensive power 
flush equipment required, without dismantling things. (Exactly the 
opposite of working on a simple CV joint).

They shouldn't charge you much for just that.  Then you can replace the 
recommended parts such as o-rings, accumulator, compressor, orifice 
valve, etc.
Then have them vacuum it down and charge it.
The mechanical parts are really simple. Just a little chemistry thrown 
in that requires special equipment to deal with.

My .02
Lee



Steve Tatro wrote:

>I know, I've been asking a/c questions for a month!
>
>If I buy a conversion kit for when I replace my compressor/clutch,
>accumulator, liquid line, etc. where should I get one?  AutoZone (and other
>places) sell a generic-looking one with a few cans of R134a, the esther oil,
>the fitting adapters, etc.  Is this good enough?
>
>Where do I buy the replacement o-rings?  How many do I need?  Why aren't
>these included in any "kit"?  Are these vehicle-specific parts?  I thought
>all old R-12 lines were the same size.
>
>I've had a couple of people recommend getting an inline filter, to catch any
>contaminents left behind after my compressor shit the bed.  Can I say that?
>Where would I get such a filter?
>
>Thanks for any more help you can provide!  With any luck I'll have this
>problem resolved in a couple of months.  Most do-it-myself repairs on the
>SHO seem to take a long time ;^)
>
>Steve Tatro
>Red/Black '93 with 171k miles (and a new car seat!)
>Cincinnati, Ohio
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