Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

Glock on Wed June 05, 2013 8:07 PM

Year: 2006
Make: Saturn
Model: Vue
Engine Size: 3.5
Refrigerant Type: R134a
Country of Origin: United States

I was hoping that someone could guide me in the right direction. Some time ago the a/c stopped blowing cold below 1500rpm (moving or stopped) and when I took it to a family friend's shop they evacuated the system, found no leak (no loss of vacuum) and they told me the "low side" of the compressor was shot and it would have to be replaced for about $900. I have decided to perform the work myself and I will be replacing the compressor, expansion valve, o rings, oil and drier (after some Internet research). I will have a local shop recover any remaining refrigerant prior to performing the work after which once replaced I will flush the evaporator myself then take to the shop and have them evacuate, leak test and charge my system. My question is if the compressor did in fact fail would it have damaged the condenser (contaminated it)? I saw in a video where they stated that the newer r134a condensers are virtually impossible to flush (either remove metal particles or fully purge flushing liquid) and will lead to compressor failure. Is this true and if so should I just spend the additional money on a new condenser or can it be flushed effectively?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

TRB on Wed June 05, 2013 11:42 PM

Wiht proper equipment you can flush modern condensers. Buit that will cost close to 6K. Rep[lace the condenser with a new one and move forward.

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Glock on Thu June 06, 2013 12:06 AM

TRB, thank you for the response. I think I will follow your advice as I was able to find a new condenser for $77.

Glock on Thu June 06, 2013 4:37 PM

If the oil from the old compressor is free of debris does the system still need to be flushed or can i get away with just replacing the compressor, drier and TXV?

iceman2555 on Fri June 07, 2013 4:26 PM

REPLACE THE DARN CONDENSER..... it will be money well spent. In fact, it would probably be time to replace all the parts and have a very intact operative system. Just be sure to charge with the correct equipment.
This vehicle utilizes a scroll compressor. Honda recommends a total system replacement for this type system. I can tell you that those that take short cuts with this repair will spend extra time and dollars performing the same repair again....and again...save the time...save the extra cash and just do the job right the first time.
This is one of those DO IT ALL.....DO IT RIGHT.....OR DO IT AGAIN repairs.


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