Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

scjarena on Wed September 10, 2014 9:23 AM

Year: 1999
Make: Chevy
Model: Suburban
Engine Size: 5.7
Refrigerant Type: 134
Country of Origin: United States

I had to replace the intake manifold gasket on a 99 Suburban. I unbolted the AC compressor and flipped it over towards the passenger side of the engine compartment, it was in an upside down position. After doing the engine work I drove the vehicle and shortly after, I think the compressor high side line blew and sprayed some oil out. It appears rubber line was kinked or something which caused the line to burst. Question is, did I do something wrong by flipping the AC compressor upside down? Could the oil in the compressor have accumulated and caused the line to pop? Thanks

Cussboy on Wed September 10, 2014 9:40 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: scjarena
After doing the engine work I drove the vehicle and shortly after, I think the compressor high side line blew and sprayed some oil out. It appears rubber line was kinked or something which caused the line to burst.

Did this happen 15 seconds after switching on the AC, or 15 minutes? If it didn't happen immediately, I'd be surprised if it was due to oil accumulation, think that would've drained down over the time it took to complete the repair. Llike when one has a refrigerator sideways - not a good practice - allow time for the oil to drain back.

Unfortunately, you didn't turn the compressor over a few times with a wrench. That may not have helped, but it would've eliminated that from your mind.

I'm thinking that the poor ol' 15-year-old rubber line was just much less flexible than when it was new. I've only done such compressor "push-to-the side" on two vehicles to do engine work, and I used the hold away anyway I could philosophy, and was OK.

GM Tech on Wed September 10, 2014 2:16 PM

Oil accumulation was NOT your issue ( heck- all OEM compressors mounted on engines at assembly plants are clear full of oil and started that way--

your kinking the crusty hose initiated the failure IMO.

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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......