hello all, i recently had the compressor and dried changed on my 1991 accord w/198,000 miles.
the mechanic called me to tell me that it is now cooling, but not to its optimum capacity. i asked why?
he says its because the condenser needs to be deep cleaned; says that is is clogged from particles of metal and stuff.
don't know if he's bluffing me or not, all i know is that they want to charge me an EXTRA HEFTY fee to deep clean the condenser and replace the expansion valve. my question is... shouldn't he have cleaned/flushed the system when he changed the parts? why should there be an extra charge for deep cleaning the condenser? is this correct? or am i being ripped off? or am i not understanding exactly what he is trying to tell me? maybe someone can DETAIL what he means? please help, this is too expensive and i don't know what to do; its a catch 22 because he says that if i choose not to deep clean, that the warranty they offer would be void because the compressor might damage over time again. help, please!

 

The flow of refrigerant of an a/c system is:
1) Compressor
2) Condenser (2nd Radiator)
3) Reciever / Drier
4) Expansion Valve
5) Evaporator core (Reverse Radiator)
6) back to Compressor

IF you suffered a catastrophic compressor failure, metal particles will circulate thru the system until they are caught in a screen just prior to the expansion valve or metered orifice (whichever is used). In most all cases, it is never required that the comdensor requires flushing; and opening the system to atmosphere is avoided at all costs (because of the moisture that can be picked up).
IF you suffered a catastrophic compressor failure, and metal particals were indeed suspected, then the compressor, reciever / dryer and expansion valve would be replaced. After that, the system would be submitted to 18" of vacume for at least an hour to remove any moisture and check for leaks. THEN the system would be recharged.
The only cleaning of the compressor I ever did was blow out leaves and debris from between the cooling fins; blowing compressed air thru the condensor core from the engine bay out the front. Of this "Deep Cleaning"............

P


Modified by P_Adams at 6:22 PM 7/1/2005