huge a/c problem

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Jun 18, 2000 | 10:20 AM

wrenchwench

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huge a/c problem

About a week ago I posted my a/c problem on my '98 F-150/ 5.0. I ended up taking it to a shop to flush the system and charge it. I spent $800 on a new compressor, clutch, dryer and condensor. R-12 was put back in the system instead of the R-134 which I originally wanted to convert to. It worked fine and put out 49 degree air for about 50 miles. Then the safety pop off valve on the compressor blew and it burned my new clutch. Obviously the pressure got way too high but what could have caused this? Every major component has been replaced with quality new ( not rebuilt ) parts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Scott

Jun 18, 2000 | 05:38 PM

PAUL_2

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huge a/c problem

Scott ,
I suspect the flush did not get all the debris out of the system . What failed on the R134a system , the compressor ? Sometimes a flush doesnt entirely purge an A/C system off all the junk that gets dislodged during a compressor failure . I assume you have a warranty on the new parts ?
Paul

Jun 19, 2000 | 07:01 AM

wrenchwench

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huge a/c problem

Paul, actually my truck is an'89, not a '98. The orifice tube was competely clogged w phenolic material that came from the compressor so it was only a matter of time before it actually went out. Before the condensor and dryer were put on the shop charged it with r-134a but the pressure built to 450 lbs. They then put another new compressor on along with the condensor and dryer and went back to r-12. Well, I just got home from dropping it off at the shop. Hopefully they'll find the problem.
Scott

Jun 19, 2000 | 01:17 PM

Boykinfan

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huge a/c problem

I have an 89 F-150 with a 5.0 also. I just recently redid my WHOLE a/c system. What happened to your system and to mine is known as BLACK DEATH. The compressor that was in your truck was either an FS-10 or FX-15. What happens is they ware out put trash in your whole system. This is the stuff you found in your orifice tube. Now, I hate to tell you this but I found out the hard way. You must replace everything and install some filters so if your compressor goes it won’t contaminate your system again. If you can get an FS-6 compressor to put in it would be better. Also, this year truck is not known to be a good one to retro to R-134a. As for the high pressure that caused the pop off to go, it could be several things, a clogged orifice tube, an overcharged system, and an improperly working fan clutch. It is really important to change your fan clutch. I know you don’t want to hear all of this after you spent the money you did. If you want to find out more about BLACK DEATH, go here http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/index.htm and search for it and ask the experts on this board.

Wayne

Jun 20, 2000 | 06:46 AM

wrenchwench

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huge a/c problem

Wayne, your reply makes me feel better about my whole situation. The shop owner has explained the Black Death syndrome and that is what my truck suffers from. I had them put a new fan clutch on to keep head pressure down. Today they are going to keep working on it. This is day 4 and it's awfully hot in Phoenix so hopefully they'll be done with it soon. Thanks for the info.
Scott

Jun 20, 2000 | 09:27 PM

shotgun

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huge a/c problem

Same problem with my 96. My bill was $924.
Just got it back tonight and am going on vacation in the morning. I hope it will hold up.

Jun 20, 2000 | 09:44 PM

wrenchwench

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huge a/c problem

I got my truck back today. They drove it 70 miles city/hwy and so far-so good. They actually replaced the compressor, dryer and condensor for the second time to make sure there wont be any problems. I sure hope it works out ok this time because i'm really getting tired of messing with it! Check out the a/c site noted above. Theres alot of info re Black Death. Thanks for including that in your repy- definately something to save!
Scott