Black Death in your Automotive Air Conditioning System

by Staff Writer

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.

A: Working on any system you must make sure you do the following:

1.Replace accumulator/receiver drier. Contaminants accumulate here and you must replace these items. The desiccant bag in these components once opened will absorbed to much moisture and not work properly.

2.Replace orifice tube or check expansion valve for contamination.

3.The A/C system must be flushed or an inline filter must be installed. Flushing must include condenser and evaporator. IMPORTANT-Compressors contaminated with black oil or any foreign material will not be warranted.

4.When replacing a Ford built FX15 or FS10 or General Motors V5 compressor that has suffered a catastrophic failure, the condenser must be replaced. If the discharge hose assembly is equipped with a muffler, the hose assembly Must be replaced. This is due to the Teflon being disbursed throughout the system. (Black Death) When this happens the only way to get the Teflon out of your system is to replace the item. The Teflon only liquefies once it is heated and therefore you can not flush it out of the system.

5.The proper amount and type of lubricant for the system must be added. After installation, rotate the compressor shaft to ensure no liquid remains in the cylinders. This will lubricate all internal compressor components.

6.Charge the system with the proper amount and type refrigerant. Do not charge the system with pure liquid (R12 or R134a) this could cause the reeds in the compressor to break.