Hi folks! I thought I would bring my question to this area to see what some of the experts have to say. I really don't know much about AC systems; except for what I've learned over the past week investigating into to this.

I have a 2004 diesel Excursion with a less than acceptable air conditioner. Since moving to TX, it has been down right unbearable at times; especially in traffic. I've even turned the system off and rolled down the windows to cool off a couple of times.

I had a leak in the rear evaporator area that I think I plugged with a sealant from Oreilly's and then had the system checked by a local shop. Without taking the system apart to look at things, the mechanic said the high side was too high and that dessicant material leaking into the system was likely the problem. The manager said he would like to look into it further at no charge, but said the price would be $1,000 if the problem was the dessicant bag, since the compressor/dryer/OT would need to be replaced. I just don't have that money right now with my daughter's birthday this weekend and school starting in about a week (3 school aged kids need lots of supplies and clothes!)

I'm thinking that maybe it's the Orifice tube that's clogged after all these years and I need to replace it with one that's rated for this Texas sized heat above 105. I've seen some variable orifice tubes that claim to do a better job in traffic and idling; they sell for $40+. I think it's worth it if it actually does work, since that's when it's at it's worst.

When the temps are 80-95 and the truck hasn't been sitting in the sun baking all day, my truck does a pretty good job of keeping it cool. Night times when we're driving, my wife complains and shuts her vents off.

I've looked into buying the parts and installing everything myself, but having the shop flush and fill the system. I can get that done for a quarter of the price they quoted me. I've never messed with an AC system before, though and feel a little over my head since I can't diagnose it myself.

I would love to hear your thoughts, opinions and advice as to what I should do.

 

What kind of Stop Leak did you use? This is important because if you used an Epoxy type things will get ugly. That stuff is BAD news, especially on a vehicle with Dual AC.
Did you tell the shop that you used sealer? Please make sure you do, it can really hose his equipment.
If you used a "seal sweller" type of sealer, it's not so bad. Post a brand name or a pic of the can if you are able.

If the desiccant bag has ruptured, the entire system has to be opened up and flushed before any parts are replaced. It can't be done "closed loop" like a cooling system.
If the sealer hardens in the system, it will take almost a total replacement of the system, at a very large price.

If the system is empty, you can remove and check the orifice tube for the front unit.
A sandy substance indicates desiccant. A "gooey" substance indicates sealer that has (partially) hardened in the system.
What you find there will be spread through the entire system.

 

Thanks for the reply!

Here is the stuff I used from Interdynamics:
Buy Interdynamics Super Seal Metal and Rubber A/C Stop Leak Kit (3 oz.) MRL-3/325 at Advance Auto Parts

I did tell them and even said that maybe that was the problem. They never did open the system since it was getting late and they had already installed my MBRP exhaust. The service manager said he would like to look at the system further and would do it for free. I'm thinking maybe I can give them new orifice tube that they can put in in the mean time.

I do hope it's not either one of those problem...it sounds too expensive! If it is the sealant, I'll probably do everything myself to save as much money as possible. Not that I want to do that, but I can't imagine what and entirely new system would cost.

 

Ugh. That's one of the "bad" ones.
It is possible for that stuff to actually work very well. However, bad things can happen when it doesn't.
Unfortunately, to use it correctly you still have to replace the moisture laden accumulator or receiver/dryer and properly evacuate the system. The manufacturer only mentions it in very small print on the can so I'm guessing that you missed those very important points (not your fault).

Super Seal reacts with moisture at the leak site, and if existing moisture is not removed from the system it reacts in the ENTIRE system like this:
Automotive AC Information Forum - ACKITS.COM

As far as the orifice tube, if it's plugged the offending matter had to come from somewhere. If it's plugged to the point of poor cooling, the plugged orifice tube is just a symptom of much bigger problems. Even the possible ruptured desiccant bag is an "easy" fix, although expensive on a dual AC system. Adding sealer on top of it to "save" money on the evaporator leak repair may have just doubled the price and complexity of the repair.

I'm not being Chicken Little and the sky is certainly not falling. I've just seen this exact scenario happen too many times and cost folks too much money. Expensive leak + can't afford $$$ repair + cheap, possible DIY fix in a can = much more expensive repair. I'm usually the bearer of the bad news once the vehicle lands in my shop.

I wish you luck and hope the end result is not as bad as I think it may be.

 

Oh man...I think I just cried a little! LOL!

I sure hope it's not like that, but I've got an appointment for Wed morning for them to open up the system. If it's like you think it may be, I'll be doing some more DIY replacement of the entire system. Hopefully that's nothing too much. The only scary part is the evaporator in the front if it's behind the dash like my Navigator was (I sold it because a leaky evaporator was the last straw).

I'm glad to have this forum to help ease my mind and not be blind-sided when I go to the shop. I sure hope it all works well. I'll bring a new orifice tube with me for them to stick in when they open it up, anyway. $2 is no big deal even if it does clog back up again.

 

Got it back and it's much cooler than it used to be!

They cleaned up the condenser, radiator and intercooler...that's it! I swear I cleaned it last year, but I guess they did something different and better.

I tried to get them to put the orifice tube I bought that everyone swears by (38639), but they didn't want to open up the system because of the stop leak I put in. Makes sense to me.

They said they were able to get 53 degrees out of the vents, which is probably 15-20 degrees cooler than it used to be. It's not optimal, but at this point I'll take it. Because of that damn stop leak I put in, I'll have to live with it or probably replace the entire system.

Lesson learned:
Don't put crap in your AC if you don't know the possible consequences!

To top everything...they didn't charge me for the work! I'll be going back to Jeffery's Auto in Watauga, TX!

Thanks for your insight on this problem, lsrx101.

 

Awesome!