A/C issues again!!
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Ottawa Ontario
A/C issues again!!
Anyone have any ideas why my 72 SB eats AC compressors? I'm about to install my 3rd unit in a year. They're all reman could it just be bad luck? Is it possible to get a new compressor? The units covered under warranty but the labour isn't...
Le Mans Master
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Last edited by oldalaskaman; Sep 5, 2012 at 07:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Ottawa Ontario
In the first instance oil was spraying out all over the inside of the hood, the second time the clutch seized (thought the car was going to burn to the ground with all the smoke). In both cases I had the work done at a shop I fully trust.
Melting Slicks
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From: Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Raleigh North Carolina
(Ecklers) NOTE: To have the warranty on this compressor a new drier or accumulator is required to show on the invoice at the time of purchase.
Are you using R12 or R134? A sloppy conversion to R134 can cause problems with the system. Some people just do a drop in with the 134... the system needs to be thoroughly flushed and the drier needs to be replaced.
Are you using R12 or R134? A sloppy conversion to R134 can cause problems with the system. Some people just do a drop in with the 134... the system needs to be thoroughly flushed and the drier needs to be replaced.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Ottawa Ontario
Very cool thought! The conversion was done by the PO. This time I'm swapping out the dryer as well maybe that will make the difference. I pick the car up tomorrow from the shop. I wished I'd have come to you guys first might have save some money.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Raleigh North Carolina
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Ottawa Ontario
Wow...now you're blowing my mind. I'm by no way a mechanic so I know I need a mechanic I can trust for repairs that I don't think I can handle with the shop manual and the AIM. I'm really at a loss now. The owner of my shop owns a 64 1/2 mustang so I assumed he knows how to deal with classics.
Melting Slicks
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From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
Did yawl identify where the oil came from on the first failure?
On the second was the clutch bearing the cause or was it the compressor that locked up?
As old indicated other than a bearing failure the other issues can be caused by to much oil in the system.
Did the compressor come with a clutch or did you transfer the clutch from the old compressor.
And you really should replace the dryer/accumulator along with orifice tube when replacing the compressor.
the compressor manufacture normally requires it for the warranty.
Neal
On the second was the clutch bearing the cause or was it the compressor that locked up?
As old indicated other than a bearing failure the other issues can be caused by to much oil in the system.
Did the compressor come with a clutch or did you transfer the clutch from the old compressor.
And you really should replace the dryer/accumulator along with orifice tube when replacing the compressor.
the compressor manufacture normally requires it for the warranty.
Neal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Ottawa Ontario
First off thanks for all your help. In the first instance the oil was coming from the front of the compressor just behind the clutch. In the second case all I know is when the clutch engaged it seized as long as the AC wasn't turned on it was ok. The clutch came with the compressor in both cases. The compressor being replaced has a clutch and they're puting in a new dryer as well.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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From: Ottawa Ontario
Good point. The owner has assured me his "AC" expert is the one doing the work. The same guy put in the last compressor and at least it lasted 4 months...he told me it's because there reman.
Le Mans Master
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First , I'm not trying to argue, but the best advice is to at least try a shop that specializes in a/c. blaming the part is always easier than admitting inexperience, and I'm very suspicious of any statement like '3 bad in a year being due to them being reman's. just because a shop has a set of gauges and knows how to hook them up doesnt mean they are good at it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Ottawa Ontario
Old, I appreciate your advice and certainly do not take any of it as an "argument". I posted here because I know you folks have more experience than my "trusted" shop can offer. Ultimately I am disappointed I didn't come here first and get some advice so I could make a more informed decision. I have at least learn a lesson ask around with the people who have dealt with this stuff first hand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,716
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From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
Oil from the front at the clutch faces or at the snout would suggest the front seal had failed.
The clutch seizing when turned on would suggest possibly two much oil or no oil was added when the new compressor was installed. He had to run it to charge it so it had to have worked for a little while prior to the failure.
With out pulling the system apart and flushing the entire system it is very hard to know for sure how much oil or trash is in the system.
this is a couple things that may have been the cause, without being there its very hard to diagnose.
Neal
The clutch seizing when turned on would suggest possibly two much oil or no oil was added when the new compressor was installed. He had to run it to charge it so it had to have worked for a little while prior to the failure.
With out pulling the system apart and flushing the entire system it is very hard to know for sure how much oil or trash is in the system.
this is a couple things that may have been the cause, without being there its very hard to diagnose.
Neal