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BLACK DEATH Question

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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 10:54 AM
  #1  
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BLACK DEATH Question

Several months ago I installed a new orifice tube and dryer. I also had the system evacuated and refilled. The orifice was really black and gritty.
I have since lost 134R and had the system evacuated and refilled yesterday and a new orifice put in. I also suspected the shrader valves were perhaps faulty and we replaced them also. The picture below is of the orifice pulled out yesterday and was replaced with a new Motorcraft tube. This was done by a 5K machine that does everything automatically. When I got home I put my new gauges on and the low side was over 100 and the high side was around 100. I know these numbers are not good but I am a new user to the manifold and think I did everything correct after watching many videos.
.... With the quality machine at the shop that does it all and my readings at home (which may be questionable) I am wondering if I have the black death considering the first orifice and the picture below of a two month old one. I would like to do any work myself and get this issue resolved before the 100 degree temp comes in a month or so. My question is how do I get rid of the Black Death if that is the issue or how do I get the proper High and low side numbers correct. I installed a new Motorcraft compressor 1 1/2 years ago. Any suggestions and help are greatly appreciated.

...As a side note Rockauto sells the Motorcraft compressor for about 240.00 The exact same compressor from O Riileys etc are over 700.00 for the same Motorcraft part and number.

 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 10:58 AM
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I don't remember exactly what causes black death, and I'm no A/C expert, but I *think* it's caused by the rubber parts of the pressure lines starting to degrade. Probably worth replacing them.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by SFaulken
I don't remember exactly what causes black death, and I'm no A/C expert, but I *think* it's caused by the rubber parts of the pressure lines starting to degrade. Probably worth replacing them.
Thanks. From what I have read some issues can be the items you mentioned and the grit etc. is usually the compressor and dryer consuming itself. I would like to clean the entire system and replace whatever needs replacing IF that is needed. Basically a fresh start for the summer and be done with it.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by sandymane
Thanks. From what I have read some issues can be the items you mentioned and the grit etc. is usually the compressor and dryer consuming itself. I would like to clean the entire system and replace whatever needs replacing IF that is needed. Basically a fresh start for the summer and be done with it.
For my part, I generally always replace the filter/dryer, if for some reason I need to break the system open, just as a preventative, they're generally pretty cheap.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 12:01 PM
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Yes I did replace the dryer several months ago and the orifice tube. I guess to simplify my rambling post, does the tube look contaminated and how do I clean the system to get rid of the problem. I don't mind buying a new compressor and dryer if I need it. My other concern is the manifold numbers. I could be doing it wrong or is the black death causing the numbers to be bad. I just would like to do what needs to be done myself and fix it. I can get the system evacuated and bring the truck home and work on it here if I know what to do and can add the R134 without taking the truck back in. Hope this helps explain it better. Thanks again Sandy
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 12:41 PM
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Yes, it most certainly looks contaminated. You might be able to get away with having it evacuated, and then breaking the lines at the compressor, and runnign a couple cans of flush through it, and then putting a new filter dryer on it before you recharge.

As I recall, you don't want to run the flush through the compressor.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 02:03 PM
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Ok Thanks. I'll check it out and see if I can confirm the compressor question. If anyone knows please let me know. Thanks
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 03:22 PM
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As far as your readings go, are those with the motor running? If yes, is the AC on HIGH, full Auto? If yes, is the compressor running?
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 03:24 PM
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Yes running and on MAX and fan max. Compressor running The orifice I pulled several months ago looked much worse than the one I pictured today.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by SFaulken
Yes, it most certainly looks contaminated. You might be able to get away with having it evacuated, and then breaking the lines at the compressor, and runnign a couple cans of flush through it, and then putting a new filter dryer on it before you recharge.

As I recall, you don't want to run the flush through the compressor.
I researched and you don't flush the compressor.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 03:48 PM
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I just checked the gauges again and the numbers are very different today. With A/C on max and fan high when compressor clutch is engaged the low side is 25 and the high side is 150. Vent air is COLD. Those numbers look good to me. Outside temp shows 82 degrees and Humidity is 53%. I believe I should just take it out tomorrow for 30 miles or so and then check it again when I get back.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 09:46 PM
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Talking

Originally Posted by sandymane
I just checked the gauges again and the numbers are very different today. With A/C on max and fan high when compressor clutch is engaged the low side is 25 and the high side is 150. Vent air is COLD. Those numbers look good to me. Outside temp shows 82 degrees and Humidity is 53%. I believe I should just take it out tomorrow for 30 miles or so and then check it again when I get back.
Yep, those number sound a lot better. BTW, I have no idea what I am talking about. I too just watched several videos and bought some gauges. HA
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by sswari
Yep, those number sound a lot better. BTW, I have no idea what I am talking about. I too just watched several videos and bought some gauges. HA
You're in for a treat
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by sandymane
You're in for a treat
Already been down that rabbit hole, probably head back in there after the motor swap and interior get finished, but before the new paint
 
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Old Mar 12, 2021 | 10:15 PM
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I don't think fixing the A/C is going to help with what you have left to do on your project so your plan sounds perfect.
 
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