What is damaged when AC compressor blows
#1
What is damaged when AC compressor blows
I am working with a 2000 Civic.
The AC recently began blowing warm air, a local shop suggested that the compressor clutch had gone bad and that replacing the compressor without flushing the system was sufficient.
I replaced the compressor without flushing the system. When I got the old compressor off I took it apart and the inner spiral was broken apart. I was concerned but would hope for the best, the air was blowing cold again.
Now, about 3 weeks later the air is back to blowing warm, but the compressor seems to be working fine.
If metal shavings from the old compressor circulated through the system what else was damaged and needs to be replaced? does the compressor need to be replaced again? or will flushing the system dislodge potential metal shavings?
The AC recently began blowing warm air, a local shop suggested that the compressor clutch had gone bad and that replacing the compressor without flushing the system was sufficient.
I replaced the compressor without flushing the system. When I got the old compressor off I took it apart and the inner spiral was broken apart. I was concerned but would hope for the best, the air was blowing cold again.
Now, about 3 weeks later the air is back to blowing warm, but the compressor seems to be working fine.
If metal shavings from the old compressor circulated through the system what else was damaged and needs to be replaced? does the compressor need to be replaced again? or will flushing the system dislodge potential metal shavings?
#2
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
Did you vacuum the system, and recharge it? Will the system hold vacuum? Does it have a leak? Was it recharged correctly? Was the correct amount of oil put into the new compressor?
#3
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
Also the receiver dryer should be replaced each time you open the system... My teacher said the condenser can get the shavings... As jking was saying above, there is not enough information above!
#4
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
Questionable shop if they told you the compressor clutch was bad and suggested replacing the compressor when you can buy the compressor clutch separate from a compressor.
#5
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
The compressor was prefilled with oil. The drier was changed at the same time. I charged the system with a can from the parts store to capacitiy ~22oz.
#7
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
When a compressor fails for anything other than a leaking seal of bad clutch you MUST flush the system, replace the receiver dryer and expansion valve and add new oil or you will not have cold air and your new compressor could very likely fail. Anyone that tells you other wise does not know much about AC repair and service. You dont nee to replace all the O ring in the system just the ones that are removed when replacing parts or you may have a leak. Replacing the service valves is a good idea as well. Then you need to pull a good long vacuum on the system, removing any air and moisture then charge the system. Oh an Flushing the system does not mean you flush everything, just the lines, condenser and evaporator. DO NOT flush the compressor or receiver dryer you will ruin them.
Trending Topics
#8
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
I didn't mean every o-ring...I meant the ones right next to the compressor--geez. I thought that was obvious enough. Why would I suggest replacing a seal that hasn't been broken.
Op- he's right about replacing the other items as well as evacuating the system and finally recharging. All I was saying is that if there were no leaks before the swap, these (2) (1 for each line) o- rings are likely to have a leak.
Op- he's right about replacing the other items as well as evacuating the system and finally recharging. All I was saying is that if there were no leaks before the swap, these (2) (1 for each line) o- rings are likely to have a leak.
#9
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
Well, I guess I tried to do this the easy way.
I did not replace the orings, the rubber looked healthy so I left them alone.
I will now go back and replace orings, replace expansion valve, flush, vacuum, and refill.
Do I need to replace the drier again, the system will have been opened, but it's only a couple weeks old?
Thanks for the help
I did not replace the orings, the rubber looked healthy so I left them alone.
I will now go back and replace orings, replace expansion valve, flush, vacuum, and refill.
Do I need to replace the drier again, the system will have been opened, but it's only a couple weeks old?
Thanks for the help
#10
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Palm Harbor, fl, USA
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
Just a few tips for you:
You can't flush through the expansion valve, the drier or the compressor. You have to remove all three of these and flush the remaining lines separately.
You should replace the drier any time you get air in the system. It's a tough call whether or not you should replace the drier again. If it is cheap, do it.
Be careful with your choice of chemicals to flush the lines. Water-based flushes are cheap but difficult to remove from the system. The really good flushes that are fluorocarbon based work great but are expensive. I've heard of people using lacquer thinner to flush, but that would make me nervous.
Once the system is flushed, you need to add the appropriate amount of the correct type of oil. Some new compressors come with oil already, some do not. Too much or too little oil is bad.
Pull a vacuum for a long time do allow any flush to evaporate and be pumped out. Make sure the system holds a vacuum for at least 15 minutes without the vacuum pump running, and the needle doesn't move at all.
If you are nervous about debris in the system you can install a filter before the compressor to protect it. Some compressor remanufacturers require the installation of a filter to keep the warranty.
Good luck
Mike M.
You can't flush through the expansion valve, the drier or the compressor. You have to remove all three of these and flush the remaining lines separately.
You should replace the drier any time you get air in the system. It's a tough call whether or not you should replace the drier again. If it is cheap, do it.
Be careful with your choice of chemicals to flush the lines. Water-based flushes are cheap but difficult to remove from the system. The really good flushes that are fluorocarbon based work great but are expensive. I've heard of people using lacquer thinner to flush, but that would make me nervous.
Once the system is flushed, you need to add the appropriate amount of the correct type of oil. Some new compressors come with oil already, some do not. Too much or too little oil is bad.
Pull a vacuum for a long time do allow any flush to evaporate and be pumped out. Make sure the system holds a vacuum for at least 15 minutes without the vacuum pump running, and the needle doesn't move at all.
If you are nervous about debris in the system you can install a filter before the compressor to protect it. Some compressor remanufacturers require the installation of a filter to keep the warranty.
Good luck
Mike M.
#11
Re: What is damaged when AC compressor blows
No you will not need to replace the dryer as long as the new compressor did not fail it will be fine. It the system is left open for a long period of time then yes replace it but just from replaing the compressor and O ring it will be fine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
skshow289
Honda Civic (2006 - 2015)
1
02-17-2018 01:12 PM
OverBoostDemon
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
16
10-21-2009 09:43 AM