QuestionI have a 96 GMC Jimmy, last summer(04)I had the a/c system repaired. (compressor, accumulator, orifice tube) all parts were new or re-built. When it was re-charged it was overcharged by twice the ammount needed. After the excess freon was removed the air worked fine. At the beginning of this summer(05)it was still working ok. Then it started getting weaker and weaker and within a month was not working at all. I noticed the clutch wasnt't spinning the way it should be ie. it would turn for roughly 3 seconds at a time then stop and re-start. The compressor was replaced which has now also stopped working again after less than 2 weeks (it only worked for roughly 200 miles). My question is could overcharging the system by 50% be the cause of the 1st new compressor to go bad after just one year? Also IF I have replaced the compressor should I not also replace the orifice tube as well as the accumulator? And IF I didn't is it possible that the 1st compressor going bad left particles in the system that could or may cause the 2nd compressor to fail as well? The system was vaccumed after each time the compressor was replaced. My guess is the system was plugged somehow which led to the failure of the 2nd compressor because even tho the air had stopped coming out cold the compressor still appeared to be working correctly up until last night when I noticed it was not spinning at all. I am fairly certain it is NOT an electrical problem. any input would be appreciated, thank you.
AnswerWhen a compressor failure internal failure occurs small particles of aluminum get spread throughout the entire A/C system.
You normally remove the compressor, Orififice tube and accumulator and FLUSH out all the other components as well as the lines.
Next you install the appropriate amount of refrigerant oil into into the A/C system after you install a new compressor, accumulator and orifice tube and then recharge the system with freon.
If the replacement compressor fails also internally this is usually caused by either a faulty compressor, to much refrigerant oil was added to the system or to much freon was added to the system.
Now you have to go back and remove the compressor, Orifice tube and accumulator and FLUSH out all the other components as well as the lines AGAIN.
Now what you have is either:
1. Aleak in the A/C system whereas your losing freon.
2. The orifice tube is restricted. I would remove it and clean it out and replace it.
3. You have added to much oil or freon in the system.
The amount of oil and freon that goes into the system must be in the EXACT amount as the manufacturer recommends.
