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?

 

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?

 

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!

 

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.

 

Wow, I guess I missed something. I checked today and the system is not holding vacuum. There was no leak before replacing the compressor. Does this mean that I likely have a leak at one of the compressor or drier connections without additional damage?

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.

 

Did you replace the green o rings on the lines' fittings during compressor swap?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.