View Full Version : A/c help!!
Rockettman
07-30-2013, 07:53 AM
I really need experienced mechanics to chime in here.
So after a really hot day 2 weeks ago, with the a/c running, I park the car in the garage. Hours later, I notice a puddle of brown oil on the floor. Pop the hood...the case holding the dryer/accumulator is seeping oil. Drips on the bottom of the piece also confirms it. The system does not run now (as I would expected for protection). Up to that moment, the A/C worked perfectly fine...all the time!
I'm told by Ford that once this kind of thing happens...most everything on the system has to be replaced because of contaminents.
IS THIS TRUE?
Can only the dryer be replaced? Will this just lead to doing it all again in a year?
I am really afraid this is going to cost me "my left arm" now!!!
(BTW: the compressor has no leaking "o" rings or anything. It's dry).
Krytin
07-30-2013, 02:21 PM
Have the dryer replaced by a reputable mechanic/tech - evacuate the system & recharge. I had my '04 CV done two years ago and it's just fine!
Curless
07-30-2013, 02:25 PM
Yep, you can just replace the dryer, it is very common on the Panther Platform.
fastblackmerc
07-30-2013, 02:26 PM
Have the dryer replaced by a reputable mechanic/tech - evacuate the system & recharge. I had my '04 CV done two years ago and it's just fine!
+1. Order this part number from Rock Auto: Four Seasons: 83148 (Aluminum)
Since it's aluminum it won;t rust out like the steel OEM one.
Dereck
07-30-2013, 02:48 PM
Hi Fastblackmerc
Since it's aluminum it won;t rust out like the steel OEM one.
Yeah but it will corrode just as bad, living here where the authourities have a love affair with salt I see a lot of corroded pipes especially now manufacturers are routing them under the fenders.
Regards
Dereck
RF Overlord
07-30-2013, 04:09 PM
Fear not, Rockettman...Mary had the same thing happen to Phoebe and I think it was $150 including the recharge to have it done at a local radiator/AC shop. You'll be right as rain in no time.
fastblackmerc
07-30-2013, 05:07 PM
Hi Fastblackmerc
Yeah but it will corrode just as bad, living here where the authourities have a love affair with salt I see a lot of corroded pipes especially now manufacturers are routing them under the fenders.
Regards
Dereck
How about coating the dryer in something that won't be corroded by salt, like fiberglass or epoxy?
Dereck
07-30-2013, 10:54 PM
Hi Fastblackmerc
I am not sure coating the accumulator with fibreglass would be such a good idea as it would probably lead to corrosive elements getting trapped making matters worse, I think half the problem with rotting accumulators is the foam jacket Ford put around them, I coat mine with clear spray grease.
Regards
Dereck
Rockettman
07-31-2013, 04:20 AM
Thanks everyone.
I can breathe easier now. :)
(It's just wrong how a dealer can get away with taking people for thousands of dollars; for a $80 part!)
Cheers to everyone.
RF Overlord
07-31-2013, 04:37 AM
I'm told by Ford that once this kind of thing happens...most everything on the system has to be replaced because of contaminents.
IS THIS TRUE?If the accumulator rusting out is the only issue, then the answer is NO. They are scare-mongering.
If the compressor blew up and scattered metal shavings through the system, then you would at the very least need to have the whole works flushed by a competent shop, or if you leave the system open to the atmosphere for an extended time then moisture will get in and you'll need to have a vacuum pulled and the accumulator replaced, but you're doing that anyway.
Didn't your mama teach you about dealers?? Go there ONLY for warranty work.
Rockettman
07-31-2013, 05:07 AM
Didn't your mama teach you about dealers?? Go there ONLY for warranty work.
Hahaha...duely noted. :beer:
martyo
07-31-2013, 05:37 AM
IF the system gets contaminated, it can be flushed with AC flush. It is about 50 bucks a can and takes a little talent to do, but it works well. We just did this on a system that got contaminated from sitting open for seven years. After a good flus, a drier swap, and a new orifice tube (a two dollar item), the system works "right as rain."
Richy04
08-01-2013, 06:14 PM
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=87961
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