A/C compressor seized, do I need a new condensor?
#1
A/C compressor seized, do I need a new condensor?
The a/c compressor on our 96 E150 van has seized, as verified by 3 mechanics. One says that when replacing the compressor, the condensor also needs to be replaced. Another says that's hogwash, the 3rd doesn't do a/c, but is baffled as to why the condensor should be replaced. Can anyone give me reasons why the condensor should or should not be replaced? Would it make sense to replace the compressor only, and wait to see if the condensor fails, or should it all be done at the same time? It's not small $ we're talking here.
#2
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My 2 cents
My son inlaw has a Suburban(?) His compressor bearings went out and finally seized.
Took it to the local son and pop repair shop here in town(good ASE mechanics).
Ended up having to replace almost everything (very expensive).What had happened is metal shaving had went thru the whole system.Truck was out of service for almost two weeks.
Took it to the local son and pop repair shop here in town(good ASE mechanics).
Ended up having to replace almost everything (very expensive).What had happened is metal shaving had went thru the whole system.Truck was out of service for almost two weeks.
#3
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What is the history of the system?Did it need recharged every year or more?If so there is a leak that removed refrigerant oil from the system and the leak needs repaired.That would be the root cause of the compressor failure and needs addressed to stop a repeat performance.To answer the question the system should be taken apart and flushed properly to see if there are any blockages to the system.If there are the blocked components need replaced and a filter needs installed before the suction side of the compressor.Then all the oil needs to be installed and the system recharged and pressure and leak tested.If the system was not getting recharged all the time the fan clutch may be faulty so it should be checked also.
#4
About 3 or 4 years ago, the coolant lines to the rear a/c were corroded, causing a major leak and forcing us to bypass the rear a/c installed by the conversion company. At that time, the system was checked for leaks and the front a/c recharged. It was a good fix at that time. Last year, we noticed the air wasn't cooling as well as in the past, but it was still sufficient. Also last summer, we started hearing a squealing from under the hood, which turns out to be either the compressor or the fan clutch, but no one identified it until now.
So, am I understanding that maybe not all parts have to be replaced? I can go with the guy who will check each part and stay away from the one who will replace "all-or-nothing"?
Thanks
So, am I understanding that maybe not all parts have to be replaced? I can go with the guy who will check each part and stay away from the one who will replace "all-or-nothing"?
Thanks
#5
Compressor
Yes it may need to be replaced becuase of all the debris from the siezed compressor it in the system, maybe a good flush would also help.
But as an alterative if you dont care about the A/C and just want to be able to run the engine, you could by pass the compressor all together because when you order this van with out ac they just put on a idler pulley in its place. you get all the parts at the junk yard for next to nuthing!!!
But as an alterative if you dont care about the A/C and just want to be able to run the engine, you could by pass the compressor all together because when you order this van with out ac they just put on a idler pulley in its place. you get all the parts at the junk yard for next to nuthing!!!
#6
We are running with the compressor disconnected until we figure out which mechanic to go with. Unfortunately, we need to get this van fixed, as it is not only a go-to-work vehicle, (we can handle no a/c for that), but it is the tow vehicle for our camper, and we have a 3,000 mile trip to the mountains planned this summer. As much as this repair is going to hurt, it's still cheaper than replacing the vehicle (with only 77,000 miles, there should be a lot of life left in it).
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I would go with the guy who will check the components instead of the one who is all or nothing.The major leak in the rear air appears to be the root cause of the failure because the lost oil was probably not replaced with the correct amount resulting in the compressor seizing.
#8
One exception to Davo's advice would be a "by-pass" type of condenser. They cannot be flushed nor can you tell when one is restricted because all of the tubes are fed by one main manifold and if you get half of them blocked up, you can even tell except for the fact the it doesn't perform the way it should and if a qualified tech doesn't realize that before releasing the car, it will likely take out another compressor. We have an A/C parts distributor down here that will not gaurantee the compressor unless you purchase a condenser along with it on many Ford applications that use the FX compressor.
Certain Fords around that year suffered from something called "black death". They used teflon piston rings and they would melt and trash most of the system. Have them examine the oriface tube and if it is plugged with black crap, DEFINATELY replace the condenser and accumulater and flush the rest of the system thoroughly..
Certain Fords around that year suffered from something called "black death". They used teflon piston rings and they would melt and trash most of the system. Have them examine the oriface tube and if it is plugged with black crap, DEFINATELY replace the condenser and accumulater and flush the rest of the system thoroughly..
#9
Thanks to all for your advice and hints. The van's going in the first part of March for the work, and I feel I know a lot more now than when it first happened to us. I'll be sure to ask about the by-pass type of condensor and the orifice tube condition.