2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air Conditioning Woes

[G.L. Andrews]

I have a 1997 Ram purchased new. I just had the A/C evaporator replaced. This is the third one. The first lasted 2 years and was replaced by the dealer. The second lasted 4 years and was replaced by another repair facility. Both times I was told it was leaking. Is it normal to have it replaced every so often? Is there something I should be or not be doing to extend its life? I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem or am I just lucky?

 

[Sarge]

That's not normal to replace the evaporator that often. Make sure that they are putting dye in the system to trouble shoot it if there are any further problems. It sounds like there is a contamanation problem there somewhere... ..... Sarge

 

[krs]

Welcome G. L. !



Do you park or use your truck anywhere that a large amount of leaves or other stuff accumulates on your truck? There's a possibility that debri buildup in the area under the evaporator could cause it to corrode to the point that it leaks. This is just one theory about what makes the evaporators fail. Another is that they are very cheaply made.

 

[G.L. Andrews]

Sarge & KRS,



Thanks for your replies!! Yes both times dye was put into the system. Also the truck is parked under trees. When the evaporator was replaced the first time I was told there was a build up of pine needles. I promptly ordered the cab fresh air filter kit from Geno's and put it on. Probably could stand to have those filters changed! I asked the service manager as to why it would be failing only thing he could come up with was the high pressure in the system and maybe the vibration of the Diesel.



Thanks,

Garry

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

The most likely culprit is corrision from the outside from more pine needles or leaves. There is also a chance that the AC system might not have been serviced properly. Once the AC systems are opened they really need to be vacuumed for a long time to remove any moisture that got in. Did they replace the dryer at any point? They should be replaced any time the system goes dry because it's tough to get all the water out of them. The system will corrode form the inside any time moisture is present. Might be the cause of your latest failure.

Good luck getting it strightened out.

Joe

 

[G.L. Andrews]

Joe,



I checked my paperwork. Neither mentioned anything about a dryer being replaced. This last go around an accumulator was replaced. Nothing was said about a dryer. Thanks for your input. I'll make a note and add it to my records for the next time.



Garry

 

[scotmartin]

The accumulator has the dryer element inside of it. That's why it was replaced. Otherwise there would almost never be a need to replace, because all it is, is a tank designed to keep liquid refrigerant from making it back to the compressor.



Check my sig before you flame me.



Scot