Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

scjarena on Tue August 07, 2012 12:37 PM

Year: 1999
Make: Chevy
Model: Suburban
Refrigerant Type: 134
Country of Origin: United States

I'm a newbie here, so I apologize if this topic has been discussed before. I'm working on a 99 Suburban, compressor seized, so I'll be flushing the lines, etc. I plan to install an inline filter before the orifice tube. I assume its best to order one from ackits.com? Also are the compressor inlet screens worth installing if there are worries of residual metal particles in the lines? Thanks

GM Tech on Tue August 07, 2012 12:59 PM

All V5 service compressors use a compressor suction port screen (yours is a HT-6) -- so yes it is worth installing- inline filter is fine- but I'd pu it on the rear line (where it uses a TXV) since the OT is already a filter (has a filter screen attached to it)

I would not flush with anything I can't be sure I can get it all out!

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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 Tue August 07, 2012 9:30 PM

I would put one on both lines. Protect the rear valve for sure but also the filter of the orifice tube. Restrict the flow thru this filter and serious lubricant flow problem are sure to follow.
Considering the year and the compressor failure, a strong suggestion would be to replace the condenser also. This period was the introduction of the 2nd generation of Hi Eff condensers and this unit is almost impossible to flush and clean properly. It appears that a great many tech calls this year are concerning flow/cooling issues. After system diagnosis, the condenser is the root cause. Typically debris from the original failure restricted the condenser or the new compressor generated sufficient pressure to 'clean' the condenser and restricted the orifice tube and the resultant compressor failure due to lack of lubricant.
Not sure what flush chemical is being considered, but be sure to air purge the system to remove residual chemicals. Evacuation will not remove many of the flush chemicals on the market today.
All this is for naught if the system is not properly recharged. Forget the cans and gauges....have the system properly recharge by a professional utilizing the correct equipment of accomplish this.

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Thomas Jefferson