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sunfiregt1
New User
Apr 16, 2008, 11:10 AM
Post #1 of 3
(3624 views)
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groaning A/C system!!!
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Hi. I have a 98 2-door Sunfire. The main seal in the compressor failed last summer, so I had it replaced with a NEW compressor..not reman. Also did the orifice tube since it was nasty and the accumulator. Back in December, when the compressor would engagae, it would make this loud groaning that would go up and down with the RPM. Also, the system hasn't cycled like it use to, just runs constantly. Now that its warmer outside it also takes a while to cool the car off. I'm not very skilled in this area..i just know the basics lol. I've been told the compressor is doing good. is there anything else that should have been done when the compressor was installed?
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brbettge
User
Apr 17, 2008, 11:07 AM
Post #2 of 3
(3617 views)
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Re: groaning A/C system!!!
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whew! this one kind of depends on how thorough a job the person did who changed the parts - last summer, i presume. a groaning noise that fluctuates with RPM indicates a poorly lubed compressor. was there oil put back into the system when changed? should be billed out on your invoice. This would be my main concern at this point. also was the system flushed before installing the new components? if not, then most likely the trash that was trapped in the system has returned to haunt you and a new system will be in order. as far as taking longer to cool down - if all else is correct - there is a trick i learned many, many years ago with ac systems. before you recharge the system with freon - in this case R134A, you must pull a vacuum on the system. the trick is that while almost all mechanics will pull the vacuum to what we call 29 inches of mercury, just letting the vacuum pump pull to the required 29 inches isn't enough. many mechanics will vacuum the system for as much as 30 minutes after reaching 29 inches. Here's the secret: the system MUST be vacuumed for at least one hour before adding freon and the amount of freon added in a 134A system MUST be exactly the amount specified by the manufacturer. A one hour vacuum time assures that ALL hidden pockets of air and moisture have been eliminated. even a few molecules of air and/or moisture will cause the system to not cool correctly. it took me over thirty years of ac repair to learn this trick. use it wisely.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 17, 2008, 4:04 PM
Post #3 of 3
(3614 views)
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Re: groaning A/C system!!!
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The original problem sounds like "the black death" that happens when compressor's fail sometimes. Whole system must be flushed out and and new oil added to spec. Any new compressor must be pre-spun with oil in it for intitial start up or they might not last a minute!
"O" tube probably plugged again right away and starved compressor of any oil as it's carried in the refrigerant. This type work is not for the DIYer. Proper vac and charge amount by weight is a must. Air=moisture as said and that will impede performance and readings and moisuture and oils used for 134a turn acidic and wreck basically the whole system not right away but really can shorten the life.
Doesn't sound like good news - sorry,
T
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