Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Tim M on Sat August 04, 2012 2:08 PM

Year: 2002
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Venture
Engine Size: 3.4
Refrigerant Type: R134A
Country of Origin: United States

I'm assisting a friend out here in Stuttgart, GE on a van he bought recently.

The AC did not work when purchased and unsure of how long it went 'dry.'

He has had some work done on it: replacing two lines in front of the engine and behind the radiator as leaks were detected. The shop is not IDing leaks (using die) on a line going to the rear of the vehicle in the vicinity of the driverside front wheel.

I was unaware that the Venture had a rear mounted AC system...(searching this forum provided that answer).

He is on a bucks down approach so his thought of dealing with this (about a month now) is to simple cut both lines going to the rear and install a U shape tube...bypassing the rear unit. He expects more leaks to occur (dried out seals and/or evaporator) and wants to cut his losses.

He understands that he would loose the cool air in the rear...half is better than nothing in his opinion...

Is this feasible?

If so, I've read on another post that two swedges and some 3/8 aluminum tubing may be one solution.

I dislike jerry rigging things, but on the other hand those lines to the rear are like 15 feet long each and shipping to GE is cost prohibitive! (especially considering how much he bought the van for)

Attempting to give him and his 6 kids (!) a hand...luckily german summers are nothing like most of US!

Thanks for the assistance!

GM Tech on Sat August 04, 2012 7:46 PM

2002 U-vans are known for OEM condenser failures-- lower right hand corner will be oily...swageloks work great to repair rear lines-- cut out the bad spot and install a 3/8 alum swagelok and be done...

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

iceman2555 on Sat August 04, 2012 11:23 PM

As simple as it sounds, the two lines that connect the rear unit can not be cut and a 'simple u tube' inserted. This will allow for liquid refrigerant to be transferred back to the compressor and result in serious compressor damage. If it is desired to disconnect the rear unit, a simple procedure would be to simply cut the hose connectors from the rear hoses, have someone weld the fitting closed and re use the old hose fittings. Another method would be to purchase a kit for this purpose or purchase two of the correct size hose fittings and weld them closed also.
The approach posted will not work...may work for heater hoses...but not for an AC system.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

GM Tech on Sun August 05, 2012 9:55 PM

The swageloks repair the rear system so it works as designed- no intention of bypassing it

-------------------------
The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

Tim M on Mon August 06, 2012 2:40 PM

All thanks for the comments.

I was under the assumption the rear system was integral with the front and one continuous loop needed to be maintained.

If I understand correctly, if his preference is to bypass the rear system...the two long lines would simply need to be 'capped' essentially. This is even easier.

You already answered it, but should ask, are there no low or high pressure switches in the rear unit? Or is everything normal under the hood with the rear unit just an add on?

The leak, although I did not get to eyeball it, was told it was in the front left wheel well area. So well before the rear area...no telling where the next leak will pop up once charged. He has already replaced 3 lines in the engine compartment...

We will take a look at the condenser as well-no one has made any mention of that...then again, the system was dry for a period before he bought it so maybe nothing to leak!

Thanks again!