4 Seasons AC Compressor Failure (Twice) (Page 1/2)
Ronbo4786 MAY 07, 12:27 PM
Looking for a little help from the community on getting my AC to work.

In December I retrofitted from R12 to R134 by accomplishing the following:
1. Flushing all hoses and evaporator
2. Replacing the compressor, accumulator, orifice tube, and O-rings
3. Placed compressor on it's nose for over 3 minutes (manufacturer recommended to lube seal)
4. Rotated clutch more than 10 times

After about a month the compressor failed (had oil & dye on the bottom). Checked orifice tube and there were no metal shards on it.

Then I redid the system again.
1. Replaced compressor, accumulator, orifice tube, high & low pressure switches, and the condenser
2. Placed compressor on it's nose for over 3 minutes (manufacturer recommended to lube seal)
3. Rotated clutch more than 10 times

The shop that recharged the system did a leak test and pulled vacuum for 45 minutes prior to charging each time.
New compressor failed again after less than 150 miles. I noticed on the day that it started failing, each time I turned the AC on it initially really brought the RPMs down but then recovered and ran normally.

Utilizing a dye testing light there was no evidence of leaking at any of the connections.

I know it's a loaded question but what could I be doing wrong?

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1986 Fiero GT
Muncie 4-speed
2.8L V6

skywurz MAY 07, 12:57 PM
what oil are you using and how much?

[This message has been edited by skywurz (edited 05-07-2021).]

Ronbo4786 MAY 07, 01:05 PM
Per 4 Seasons I used PAG150. 8 ounces total. The AC compressor was pre-filled with 3 ounces and I added 1 to it. Added 2 ounces each to accumulator and condenser.
theogre MAY 07, 03:05 PM
You flush the Evap?
How?
Because "Flushing" that is often a big problem and still leave crap there too. Plus If whatever flush media doesn't dry out before recharge then the media can wreck the compressor.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Ronbo4786 MAY 07, 03:21 PM
Thanks Ogre!

When doing my research on changing out the system I found a thread on that but it was after I'd already done it. That was on my first go round and I left it open for a week while blowing compressed air through it multiple times per day until nothing came out. Didn't flush the system on the 2nd try.

I guess a better question now is . . . how should I proceed on the 3rd try to have a successful repair?
Ronbo4786 MAY 07, 03:25 PM
Daryl M MAY 09, 12:55 AM

quote
Originally posted by Ronbo4786:

Thanks Ogre!

When doing my research on changing out the system I found a thread on that but it was after I'd already done it. That was on my first go round and I left it open for a week while blowing compressed air through it multiple times per day until nothing came out. Didn't flush the system on the 2nd try.

I guess a better question now is . . . how should I proceed on the 3rd try to have a successful repair?



When flushing, you should use plenty of flushing agent.a flush kit is needed to do it properly. Just compressed air won't cut it.
Dennis LaGrua MAY 09, 01:38 AM
I am not a big fan of Four Seasons rebuilt AC compressors. They sometimes fail. Also not big on using PAG oil except in completely clean systems or systems that originally used it. . If there is any residual 525 mineral oil in the system the PAG will not mix with it and oil function will be poor. I always use Ester oil on old R-12 systems. Overcharging and/or a clogged condenser can cause a failure. Did you check that the condenser was free clear and not obstructed?

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Ronbo4786 MAY 09, 08:33 AM
Thanks for the inputs.

I used the flush kit from Auto Zone with a proper flushing liquid.

The second time I replaced the condenser with a brand new one. Both compressors were new not remanufactured.

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1986 Fiero GT
Muncie 4-speed
2.8L V6

fierofool MAY 09, 09:20 AM
I just had my compressor replaced with a new Four Seasons compressor, dryer and metering tube. Flushed and used ester oil. The compressor is noisy as all getout.