A/C overhaul..... What a difference now

[Motorhead]

My '07,5. 9 A/C compressor crapped out after only 5 years of service. It had that first of day use, temporary noise that sounded like it was liquid locked for half a second. I think that this led to the compressors demise. The compressor was noisy with an audible whine for about 3 years. Mind you I live in inland coastal Calif and the A/C is not constantly used year round.

The compressor temporarily seized on me just after a big trip. I immediately quit using it. I needed to service my cooling system so I removed the condenser, inter-cooler and radiator. I bought a pressurized bottle to put A/C flush solvent in and flushed my condenser, evaporator, and lines except the liquid line with the orifice removing any oils. Luckily, my compressor didn't grenade so I had little to no debris! I found the ORIGINAL Halla A/C compressor from an aftermarket source for about 1/2 of the dealer price. I bought a new liquid line from the dealer and a new accumulator. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THE CHINESE COMPRESSORS OR LIQUID LINES!!!

I decided to ditch the PAG oil and the R134 refrigerant. I drained the new compressor as it came factory charged with 7oz of PAG oil. I used 7 ounces of Dura-cool A/C oil chill oil and distributed it in the compressor, accumulator, condenser and evaporator.

Some background before I continue... .....
I have used Dura-cool non HFC refrigerants for several years with excellent success especially in older R12 systems. I have done A/C work for 10 years on automotive. I DON'T claim to be an expert!
The PAG oil used in R134 systems is very hydroscopic in that it absorbs moisture easily. It is not as good as the mineral oil used in the R12 systems but apparently the mineral oil is not compatible with R134.

Our trucks use 30 ounces f R134. The comparable amount of Duracool is 12 oz. I now no longer have that clunk when you first turn on the A/C. The compressor now runs at lower pressures. I don't even hear of feel the compressor engage at idle. I am seeing 43 degrees at the center vents with 85 degrees outside temp.

I really appreciated Andy Redmonds' A/C article in issue 68

 

[rscurtis]

That is great information. I was always wondering about converting my truck to R12 if I ever had to go into the system (I haven't- still works great). It's much easier on the compressor and doesn't tend to leak as easily as 134 does. IMO, the refrigerant changes over the years had more to do with patent protection than they do for the environment. R12 is superior to any refrigerant that has followed it.

 

[EMAC2]

... . IMO, the refrigerant changes over the years had more to do with patent protection than they do for the environment. .....

R1234 is now released for automotive use. strange how that sorta coincides with the patents running out on 134a refrigerants.....

 

[mwilson]

R1234 is now released for automotive use. strange how that sorta coincides with the patents running out on 134a refrigerants.....

Something is going on as R134A 30lb cans are 1/2 the price now compared to my pre-buy in March of this year.



I just bought 40 more, could not refuse the price.

 

[Motorhead]

I drove the truck today and the outside temp was 99 degrees. AC center port putting out 42-43 degrees on re-circulation mode. I tried outside air and the readings were 45 degrees.

 

[Gemstone]

'I found the ORIGINAL Halla A/C compressor from an aftermarket source for about 1/2 of the dealer price'...

Care to share your source ?

Regards
Gemstone

 

[Regcabguy]

I drove the truck today and the outside temp was 99 degrees. AC center port putting out 42-43 degrees on re-circulation mode. I tried outside air and the readings were 45 degrees.

Thanks Chris for the informative write-up!