Automobile Air Conditioning System Do's and Dont's

by Staff Writer

Requirements for working on any a/c system:

A) Always change the accumulator/receiver/drier when opening and installing any a/c system. Contaminants gather here and the dessicant bag in them, once opened, will absorb too much moisture. Thus, causing the part not to work properly.

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B) When installing - replace the orifice tube or expansion valve, whatever part your vehicle uses. These parts also collect contamination and debris. Please note that some vehicles with dual air use both items. In that case, each should be removed and replaced with a new part.

C) Flushing the a/c system is very important. Some technicians prefer to install an inline filter. The condenser and evaporator should be fully flushed. Note that compressors contaminated with black oil, metal chips or foreign material are not warranted because this is a sign that the a/c system was not flushed properly.

D) Attention: Ford and GM vehicle owners - Common compressors such as the FX15, FS10 and V5 units typically suffer a major failure, also called Black Death. In this case, a condenser needs to be replaced. If the discharge hose assembly has a muffler connected, the hose assembly must also be changed. The reason is that teflon has been dispersed throughout the a/c system. Teflon only liquifies when heated so flushing the system would not get rid of it, therefore replacing the part is the best option.

E) Proper amount and type of lubricant should be added to the a/c system. Also, correct amount of pag oil, as well as the right viscosity for the compressor, should be added. The internal components of the compressor must be lubricated or it will fail. Rotate the compressor shaft to ensure no liquid remains in the cylinders.