AC Issue

[suprasick]

I searched forever but couldn't find anything concrete.

For the first time in years I finally filled the freon in my system. In about two days the ac stopped working. It turns out the belt broke I put another one on and all it does is smoke. When I look at the compressor its like the clutch is stuck and the belt just smokes around it.

So my question is: Is it a compressor or clutch issue? And what causes this?


Thanks

 

[jetjock]

Your compressor seized, very likely because the system wasn't serviced correctly. You now have what's known as Black Death in the AC biz. To have any real reliability in the future requires the entire system be overhauled. Very expensive. This is what happens when a system is left empty for a long time and then not repaired properly.

 

[suprarx7nut]

JJ, my system has been empty at least since I got my car (1 year). How can I maximize the chances of it working correctly again? I was planning on taking to a Toyota dealer to have them inspect and refill it, but is there anything I need to tell them, or ask for? Or is there anything I can do to prepare it before taking it in?

Thanks for any response, you're genious!

-Andy

 

[castrol supra]

AC delete time.

PM me I know where there is a compressor from a delete.

 

[suprasick]

Thanks for the response. Can I now find and install a new compressor, and pow it works?

 

[suprarx7nut]

Thanks for the response. Can I now find and install a new compressor, and pow it works?

Your compressor seized, very likely because the system wasn't serviced correctly. You now have what's known as Black Death in the AC biz. To have any real reliability in the future requires the entire system be overhauled. Very expensive. This is what happens when a system is left empty for a long time and then not repaired properly.

 

[suprasick]

Thanks for the re-post I can read:icon_bigg In theory why couldn't I just install a new compressor?

 

[suprarx7nut]

Well I am only guessing here, but I imagine there's a reason your old compressor seized up. What's to stop the new one from doing the exact same thing? You could try installing a new compressor, but I'd think there's is more to your system's woes than a bad compressor.

 

[jetjock]

Andy: Assuming that means the opposite of disingenuous I'm guilty as charged.

One year should be OK but it depends on things like humidity, how "open" it was, stuff like that. The problem is once a system is exposed to the atmosphere acid begins to form in the oil. Depending on how long it's been sitting the damage may already been done. In your case I'd flush the system and replace the oil in the compressor, replace the receiver/dryer, then evac and charge. Assuming the compressor hasn't corroded too much the system should give you good service thereafter. Still a bit of a crap shoot though.

OP: Before the compressor seized (assuming that's the problem) it was sending pieces of itself throughout your system:

http://tinyurl.com/4cv26h

You could try and just slap a new one on there but don't be surprised if dies in a few months or if the system doesn't work well.

 

[suprasick]

Thats the answer I was looking for! Thanks alot that article was very helpful... Its pointless to just "slap" another one on there.

 

[Kckazdude]

Most people and some shops opt for the easy way out on this type of failure simply because of the time involved in getting to the expansion valve. It must be cleaned/replaced when this type of failure has occured.

 

[Fuzz420]

I think i will consider my self luck as mine was empty for almost 3 years before i had it converted and charged. Works like a charm. Single best fix EVER!!!!

 

[Nick M]

Most people and some shops opt for the easy way out on this type of failure simply because of the time involved in getting to the expansion valve. It must be cleaned/replaced when this type of failure has occured.

That makes no sense to me. The more time it takes, the more $$ is charged. :icon_razz

 

[jetjock]

It's because they know the customer will be back and they can get him twice

Although not recommended I've flushed evaporators in car with the TXV installed (blow hot air into the suction line to open it) and gotten away with it about 30% of the time. No guarantees but it beats taking the dash apart. Orifice tubes are another story. In my experience you're pretty much screwed there.

 

[Kckazdude]

That makes no sense to me. The more time it takes, the more $$ is charged. :icon_razz

As JJ stated the second trip can charge for another repair. Also some mechanics claim the repair but never do it. Unscrupulous, but I have seen much worse and fired techs for much less.

The real point is, if you do the job clean/replace the expansion valve. If you have a shop do it, make sure it is noted on original invoice that expansion valve was serviced. This will save a second charge if not done properly in most cases.

 

[tlo86]

i have a working a/c compressor off a 7mge, i'll toss you a PM the longer it sits here the more useless it is and i just took it off

 

[suprasick]

sent pm thanks

This is what supramania is all about!

 

[Nick M]

As JJ stated the second trip can charge for another repair. Also some mechanics claim the repair but never do it. Unscrupulous, but I have seen much worse and fired techs for much less.

The real point is, if you do the job clean/replace the expansion valve. If you have a shop do it, make sure it is noted on original invoice that expansion valve was serviced. This will save a second charge if not done properly in most cases.

I am a tech. And dishonest mechanics are quite rare in my 10 years in the business. I know of one who claimed work he didn't do. Yes, he was fired that day.

 

[cuel]

Make sure you use a good quality A/C system flush, as well. Getting to the expansion valve is a pita, but we charge by the book, and fix accordingly. In my experience, the customer usually wants to cheap out, and only do a flush and compressor, against our advise. I don't mind, though, as they'll do it right in a few months, or the next season.

Not changing the orifice/expansion valve and flushing the system also voids the warranty on the compressor, so you have to buy another one. Locally, I've found rebuilt ones for around $250, iirc. I'm sure if you could find them online, though. I'm on my way out to the shop now, so I'll grab the number for the local company I use, and post it up.

 

[MA71_Static]

Definately change the expansion valve on your supra, its a TSB on Some-Data that it should be replaced, and while your there redo the O-rings and seals in the system so when you recharge you can Retrofit R134a safely without worry of the gaskets blowing out due to it running higher than it was designed to with R12. But don't just pull hoses out cause when whats left of your R12 mixes with moisture and Oxygen it turns into hydrochloric acid and will eat your system from inside over time, go to a place and evacuate it then do what youre gonna do (and replace your Reciever/Dryer as stated in another post) Then you'll have a damn good A/C, it would be even better if you get the serpentine type condenser out of a newer car that already has R134a in it.