2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission a/c charging

[ebrooker]

It all started with my a/c not working so I took it to a shop and they said it is the evaporator so they replaced it for 500 dollars. The a/c still didn't work so I took it back in and he told me that he must not have charged it up fully so he put more 134a into it. A/C still not working so I took it back and he replaced the high pressure switch and guess what a/c still not working. So I decided to take it to another shop and the new shop said it was the clutch on the compressor but only the dealer sells the clutch and you could buy the compressor with the clutch for close to the same price. Now the compressor has been replaced but it takes forever to take a charge. I have gotten almost 2 - 12 ounce cans and the system is supposed to hold 32 ounces. It quit charging altogether but the guages are still showing low. Has anyone else had this problem? Also the line that goes from the evaporator along the fender under the airbox and battery box is hot about half way and condensating on the other half. Is this where the orifice tube is located and is this normal? I'm about 850 into it and still not fixed.

 

[litespeed]

Man... ... . That really sucks. This is why I try to take things like this on myself before I take them to some shop.



When they replaced the evap. did they replace the drier/accumulator? I think that when ever you replace any component you need to replace the drier. I think it collects (traps) some of the trash that is the result of a component failing. IE: compressor failure, etc... .



I just went through the whole clutch fiasco. I think with the 99 you probably have the older style compressor which has the clutch kind of sticking out and has threads in the 3 holes in the front plate for a puller. These clutches can be had for around $150 at a parts house (do a search there are several recent threads on this). If it is the newer (other) style clutch. The only place I could find it was at the dealer to the tune of $200 with tax. I just replaced the damn thing so I know the price. The newer style clutch is kind of recessed in the pulley and has no threaded holes in the front plate. It is a cinch to replace. Takes about 45 minunutes with regular tools.



Why did they think the clutch is bad? Can they see it slipping or is in not engaging? It is obvious if it is slipping. There are several other things that could be wrong besides the mechanical portion of the clutch. There are some electrical things to check also.



Mine takes forever to charge too. Sounds like you may need to find a shop that specializes in A/C, have them check it out and maybe evacuate and re-charge.



Here is a thread I put up on replacing the newer style clutch front plate only:



http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162953



This thread also has a link to a different thread that shows the older style clutch and a different problem.



Let us know what happens!



AJ

 

[ebrooker]

The first guy didn't replace the drier but I did a couple of weeks later when I replaced the compressor. Another expense I didn't expect was a 61 dollar orifice tube because they crimped it into the line making you have to remove the air filter box and thebattery to replace the liquid line. I could onloy find it at the dealer.

 

[Loghead]

In all of the repairs you described, you didn't mention whether or not the system was evacuated (put in a deep vacuum to get all of the air and moisture out) . If you put in a new compressor without evacuating the system, there is definitely air and probably moisture in the system, which could easily make the system difficult to charge, and will likely cause a need for more repairs... such as another evaporator .



Git 'r done!

 

[ebrooker]

The system was evacuated after the evaperator and after the compressor.

 

[Loghead]

Okay... .

have you tried warming the refrigerant as you charge (in a bucket of very warm tap water)? That might help.



I've also had success by, in addition to warming, inverting the can at brief intervals, charging as a liquid (not too much liquid at once).

 

[ebrooker]

I haven't tried using hot water I'll have to try that.