Earle Horton

That actually makes it look easy. What the picture doesn't show, is how
many connections and how many fasteners you have to remove, to get to that
point. I'll bet, it's a few.

Earle

"L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:4440492B.78846723@***.net...
> What your dash must have looked like:
> http://www.----------.com/jeepDashRemoved.jpg
> God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> mailto:--------------------
>
> RAH wrote:
> >
> > As others have pointed out, replacing the evaporator is a MAJOR job.
> > It took the dealer an entire day, and they knew what they were doing.
> > It involves taking out the entire dash among other things. You really
> > don't want to try to do it yourself. Never got all the rattles out of
> > the dash after that. Even today.
> >
> > When our evaporator was replaced in 1994, it cost over $1,000. I'm
> > sure it's a lot more now. Between rebuilding the compressor head
> > (O'Rings), replacing the hose and heater motor, I'm sure what you were
> > quoted is not out of line.
> >
> > ----

billy ray

When I took my daughters Cougar in for A/C service the first they
specifically asked if it had been recharged before and when.

Apparently they are not supposed to just add R-12 to a leaky system but if
it had been a few years then it was kosher with whoever made the rules.

Personally if an annual recharge would hold me over then I would have no
problem with that as his system uses R-134 then I would do it myself..

On the blend door problem, unless the fix is something quick, easy, and
cheap I would suffer along with letting the system blow the cold air
wherever it wanted which in this case seems to be the floor vents.

Perhaps the EPA needs to add regulations requiring that the A/C systems
actually be easily serviceable. I know I would be less resistant to $100
worth of labor than $1000 worth.

But that is just me.

"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44411264$0$24444$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> Billy Ray,
>
> I figure the leak just started in the past year, and then drained down the
> system, to the point that it would not cool. That is my experience with
> leaks anyway. It is unrealistic in the extreme, to expect that a recharge
> can is going to give another ten years of service. Otoh, they cost a lot
> less than $1,700.00!
>
> Earle
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:1d9dc$44404d97$4831b233$28123@FUSE.NET...
> > His Jeep is 10 years old. If the leak took 10 years to show up then
the
> > leak is pretty slow...
> >
> >
> > "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> > news:44404271$0$24425$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > > In my experience, which isn't all that much but it is something, if
you
> > have
> > > a leak that is enough to stop your AC from working, then one of those
> > > recharge kits is good for a season, maybe. Still, if you don't have
the
> > > money this year, but you might have it next year, it will be a good
> > > investment. Especially if you live in Florida.
> > >
> > > Where I live, if you are too hot, just drive up hill. ;^)
> > >
> > > Earle
> > >
> > > "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> > > news:aiT%f.10692$IZ2.4133@dukeread07...
> > > > mlee did pass the time by typing:
> > > > > the AC on my '96 Grand Cherokee has been blowing warm air so I
took
> it
> > > > > to a local reputiable AC mechanic to have it fixed.
> > > > >
> > > > > His diagnosis:
> > > > >
> > > > > Replace evaporator (leaking)
> > > >
> > > > This is not a good thing. It takes quite a bit of effort to
> > > > get at the evaporator.
> > > >
> > > > > Replace discharge hose (leaking)
> > > >
> > > > o-rings probably. Look for grease/dirt around the fittings.
> > > > A bit of oil escapes with the R134a and traps dirt.
> > > > Resist the urge to overtighten the banjo bolts on the AC
> > > > compressor, they are into very weak aluminum.
> > > >
> > > > > Replace what he called the "bendar motor"
> > > >
> > > > Blend-Air motor. This is the doodad that moves the
> > > > damper between cold and hot or the cooling coil and heater core.
> > > > They can go bad but it's not usual. They do stick and wear, but
> > > > it's not common.
> > > >
> > > > > His estimate was $1700.00!!!!!!
> > > > >
> > > > > I just can't afford that right now but I live in Florida and the
> > summer
> > > > > is almost here so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
> > > > >
> > > > > Is the above described work something I could do myself? What
would
> it
> > > > > cost me to purchase the items I need to replace.
> > > >
> > > > Check the recall first.
> > > >
> > > > Generally AC work is hard for the backyard mechanic to do because of
> the
> > > > equipment required to pump the system down if you replace major
parts
> > > > and the evaporator is a MAJOR part.
> > > >
> > > > Given the evaporator might be leaking the price (based on hours of
> work)
> > > > isn't that far out there. Getting that part out is a bitch of a
job.
> > > >
> > > > What you could do is get a R134a recharge kit with pressure gauge
and
> > put
> > > > some more coolant in there. It will leak out again but at least
your
> AC
> > > > will probably work for a few more years. (all depends how much of a
> > leak
> > > > you have.)
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > DougW
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

billy ray

When I took my daughters Cougar in for A/C service the first they
specifically asked if it had been recharged before and when.

Apparently they are not supposed to just add R-12 to a leaky system but if
it had been a few years then it was kosher with whoever made the rules.

Personally if an annual recharge would hold me over then I would have no
problem with that as his system uses R-134 then I would do it myself..

On the blend door problem, unless the fix is something quick, easy, and
cheap I would suffer along with letting the system blow the cold air
wherever it wanted which in this case seems to be the floor vents.

Perhaps the EPA needs to add regulations requiring that the A/C systems
actually be easily serviceable. I know I would be less resistant to $100
worth of labor than $1000 worth.

But that is just me.

"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44411264$0$24444$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> Billy Ray,
>
> I figure the leak just started in the past year, and then drained down the
> system, to the point that it would not cool. That is my experience with
> leaks anyway. It is unrealistic in the extreme, to expect that a recharge
> can is going to give another ten years of service. Otoh, they cost a lot
> less than $1,700.00!
>
> Earle
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:1d9dc$44404d97$4831b233$28123@FUSE.NET...
> > His Jeep is 10 years old. If the leak took 10 years to show up then
the
> > leak is pretty slow...
> >
> >
> > "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> > news:44404271$0$24425$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > > In my experience, which isn't all that much but it is something, if
you
> > have
> > > a leak that is enough to stop your AC from working, then one of those
> > > recharge kits is good for a season, maybe. Still, if you don't have
the
> > > money this year, but you might have it next year, it will be a good
> > > investment. Especially if you live in Florida.
> > >
> > > Where I live, if you are too hot, just drive up hill. ;^)
> > >
> > > Earle
> > >
> > > "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> > > news:aiT%f.10692$IZ2.4133@dukeread07...
> > > > mlee did pass the time by typing:
> > > > > the AC on my '96 Grand Cherokee has been blowing warm air so I
took
> it
> > > > > to a local reputiable AC mechanic to have it fixed.
> > > > >
> > > > > His diagnosis:
> > > > >
> > > > > Replace evaporator (leaking)
> > > >
> > > > This is not a good thing. It takes quite a bit of effort to
> > > > get at the evaporator.
> > > >
> > > > > Replace discharge hose (leaking)
> > > >
> > > > o-rings probably. Look for grease/dirt around the fittings.
> > > > A bit of oil escapes with the R134a and traps dirt.
> > > > Resist the urge to overtighten the banjo bolts on the AC
> > > > compressor, they are into very weak aluminum.
> > > >
> > > > > Replace what he called the "bendar motor"
> > > >
> > > > Blend-Air motor. This is the doodad that moves the
> > > > damper between cold and hot or the cooling coil and heater core.
> > > > They can go bad but it's not usual. They do stick and wear, but
> > > > it's not common.
> > > >
> > > > > His estimate was $1700.00!!!!!!
> > > > >
> > > > > I just can't afford that right now but I live in Florida and the
> > summer
> > > > > is almost here so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
> > > > >
> > > > > Is the above described work something I could do myself? What
would
> it
> > > > > cost me to purchase the items I need to replace.
> > > >
> > > > Check the recall first.
> > > >
> > > > Generally AC work is hard for the backyard mechanic to do because of
> the
> > > > equipment required to pump the system down if you replace major
parts
> > > > and the evaporator is a MAJOR part.
> > > >
> > > > Given the evaporator might be leaking the price (based on hours of
> work)
> > > > isn't that far out there. Getting that part out is a bitch of a
job.
> > > >
> > > > What you could do is get a R134a recharge kit with pressure gauge
and
> > put
> > > > some more coolant in there. It will leak out again but at least
your
> AC
> > > > will probably work for a few more years. (all depends how much of a
> > leak
> > > > you have.)
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > DougW
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

billy ray

When I took my daughters Cougar in for A/C service the first they
specifically asked if it had been recharged before and when.

Apparently they are not supposed to just add R-12 to a leaky system but if
it had been a few years then it was kosher with whoever made the rules.

Personally if an annual recharge would hold me over then I would have no
problem with that as his system uses R-134 then I would do it myself..

On the blend door problem, unless the fix is something quick, easy, and
cheap I would suffer along with letting the system blow the cold air
wherever it wanted which in this case seems to be the floor vents.

Perhaps the EPA needs to add regulations requiring that the A/C systems
actually be easily serviceable. I know I would be less resistant to $100
worth of labor than $1000 worth.

But that is just me.

"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44411264$0$24444$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> Billy Ray,
>
> I figure the leak just started in the past year, and then drained down the
> system, to the point that it would not cool. That is my experience with
> leaks anyway. It is unrealistic in the extreme, to expect that a recharge
> can is going to give another ten years of service. Otoh, they cost a lot
> less than $1,700.00!
>
> Earle
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:1d9dc$44404d97$4831b233$28123@FUSE.NET...
> > His Jeep is 10 years old. If the leak took 10 years to show up then
the
> > leak is pretty slow...
> >
> >
> > "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> > news:44404271$0$24425$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > > In my experience, which isn't all that much but it is something, if
you
> > have
> > > a leak that is enough to stop your AC from working, then one of those
> > > recharge kits is good for a season, maybe. Still, if you don't have
the
> > > money this year, but you might have it next year, it will be a good
> > > investment. Especially if you live in Florida.
> > >
> > > Where I live, if you are too hot, just drive up hill. ;^)
> > >
> > > Earle
> > >
> > > "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> > > news:aiT%f.10692$IZ2.4133@dukeread07...
> > > > mlee did pass the time by typing:
> > > > > the AC on my '96 Grand Cherokee has been blowing warm air so I
took
> it
> > > > > to a local reputiable AC mechanic to have it fixed.
> > > > >
> > > > > His diagnosis:
> > > > >
> > > > > Replace evaporator (leaking)
> > > >
> > > > This is not a good thing. It takes quite a bit of effort to
> > > > get at the evaporator.
> > > >
> > > > > Replace discharge hose (leaking)
> > > >
> > > > o-rings probably. Look for grease/dirt around the fittings.
> > > > A bit of oil escapes with the R134a and traps dirt.
> > > > Resist the urge to overtighten the banjo bolts on the AC
> > > > compressor, they are into very weak aluminum.
> > > >
> > > > > Replace what he called the "bendar motor"
> > > >
> > > > Blend-Air motor. This is the doodad that moves the
> > > > damper between cold and hot or the cooling coil and heater core.
> > > > They can go bad but it's not usual. They do stick and wear, but
> > > > it's not common.
> > > >
> > > > > His estimate was $1700.00!!!!!!
> > > > >
> > > > > I just can't afford that right now but I live in Florida and the
> > summer
> > > > > is almost here so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
> > > > >
> > > > > Is the above described work something I could do myself? What
would
> it
> > > > > cost me to purchase the items I need to replace.
> > > >
> > > > Check the recall first.
> > > >
> > > > Generally AC work is hard for the backyard mechanic to do because of
> the
> > > > equipment required to pump the system down if you replace major
parts
> > > > and the evaporator is a MAJOR part.
> > > >
> > > > Given the evaporator might be leaking the price (based on hours of
> work)
> > > > isn't that far out there. Getting that part out is a bitch of a
job.
> > > >
> > > > What you could do is get a R134a recharge kit with pressure gauge
and
> > put
> > > > some more coolant in there. It will leak out again but at least
your
> AC
> > > > will probably work for a few more years. (all depends how much of a
> > leak
> > > > you have.)
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > DougW
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

billy ray

My niece had a leak somewhere behind the dash on a Ford and they told he
there was 10 hours labor to take the dash apart.


"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:444112a5$0$24477$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> That actually makes it look easy. What the picture doesn't show, is how
> many connections and how many fasteners you have to remove, to get to that
> point. I'll bet, it's a few.
>
> Earle
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
> news:4440492B.78846723@***.net...
> > What your dash must have looked like:
> > http://www.----------.com/jeepDashRemoved.jpg
> > God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> > mailto:--------------------
> >
> > RAH wrote:
> > >
> > > As others have pointed out, replacing the evaporator is a MAJOR job.
> > > It took the dealer an entire day, and they knew what they were doing.
> > > It involves taking out the entire dash among other things. You really
> > > don't want to try to do it yourself. Never got all the rattles out of
> > > the dash after that. Even today.
> > >
> > > When our evaporator was replaced in 1994, it cost over $1,000. I'm
> > > sure it's a lot more now. Between rebuilding the compressor head
> > > (O'Rings), replacing the hose and heater motor, I'm sure what you were
> > > quoted is not out of line.
> > >
> > > ----
>
>

billy ray

My niece had a leak somewhere behind the dash on a Ford and they told he
there was 10 hours labor to take the dash apart.


"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:444112a5$0$24477$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> That actually makes it look easy. What the picture doesn't show, is how
> many connections and how many fasteners you have to remove, to get to that
> point. I'll bet, it's a few.
>
> Earle
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
> news:4440492B.78846723@***.net...
> > What your dash must have looked like:
> > http://www.----------.com/jeepDashRemoved.jpg
> > God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> > mailto:--------------------
> >
> > RAH wrote:
> > >
> > > As others have pointed out, replacing the evaporator is a MAJOR job.
> > > It took the dealer an entire day, and they knew what they were doing.
> > > It involves taking out the entire dash among other things. You really
> > > don't want to try to do it yourself. Never got all the rattles out of
> > > the dash after that. Even today.
> > >
> > > When our evaporator was replaced in 1994, it cost over $1,000. I'm
> > > sure it's a lot more now. Between rebuilding the compressor head
> > > (O'Rings), replacing the hose and heater motor, I'm sure what you were
> > > quoted is not out of line.
> > >
> > > ----
>
>

billy ray

My niece had a leak somewhere behind the dash on a Ford and they told he
there was 10 hours labor to take the dash apart.


"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:444112a5$0$24477$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> That actually makes it look easy. What the picture doesn't show, is how
> many connections and how many fasteners you have to remove, to get to that
> point. I'll bet, it's a few.
>
> Earle
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
> news:4440492B.78846723@***.net...
> > What your dash must have looked like:
> > http://www.----------.com/jeepDashRemoved.jpg
> > God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
> > mailto:--------------------
> >
> > RAH wrote:
> > >
> > > As others have pointed out, replacing the evaporator is a MAJOR job.
> > > It took the dealer an entire day, and they knew what they were doing.
> > > It involves taking out the entire dash among other things. You really
> > > don't want to try to do it yourself. Never got all the rattles out of
> > > the dash after that. Even today.
> > >
> > > When our evaporator was replaced in 1994, it cost over $1,000. I'm
> > > sure it's a lot more now. Between rebuilding the compressor head
> > > (O'Rings), replacing the hose and heater motor, I'm sure what you were
> > > quoted is not out of line.
> > >
> > > ----
>
>

Earle Horton

Leaks of any kind never get better, and very rarely stay the same. Heh,
with regard to the Cougar, if the refrigerant charge was down, the system
leaks. I have heard some pretty outrageous stories from air conditioning
mechanics, to explain failure to find a leak. "O-rings shrink in the cold,
and let all the refrigerant out. Now that it is warm, we can't find the
leak." That just means that they are not looking hard enough.

At least if you use the annual recharge method, and keep looking, sooner or
later you will find a wet spot. That is your leak.

Earle

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:1df80$444123e6$4831b233$32457@FUSE.NET...
> When I took my daughters Cougar in for A/C service the first they
> specifically asked if it had been recharged before and when.
>
> Apparently they are not supposed to just add R-12 to a leaky system but if
> it had been a few years then it was kosher with whoever made the rules.
>
> Personally if an annual recharge would hold me over then I would have no
> problem with that as his system uses R-134 then I would do it myself..
>
> On the blend door problem, unless the fix is something quick, easy, and
> cheap I would suffer along with letting the system blow the cold air
> wherever it wanted which in this case seems to be the floor vents.
>
> Perhaps the EPA needs to add regulations requiring that the A/C systems
> actually be easily serviceable. I know I would be less resistant to $100
> worth of labor than $1000 worth.
>
> But that is just me.
>
> "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:44411264$0$24444$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > Billy Ray,
> >
> > I figure the leak just started in the past year, and then drained down
the
> > system, to the point that it would not cool. That is my experience with
> > leaks anyway. It is unrealistic in the extreme, to expect that a
recharge
> > can is going to give another ten years of service. Otoh, they cost a
lot
> > less than $1,700.00!
> >
> > Earle
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:1d9dc$44404d97$4831b233$28123@FUSE.NET...
> > > His Jeep is 10 years old. If the leak took 10 years to show up then
> the
> > > leak is pretty slow...
> > >
> > >
> > > "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> > > news:44404271$0$24425$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > > > In my experience, which isn't all that much but it is something, if
> you
> > > have
> > > > a leak that is enough to stop your AC from working, then one of
those
> > > > recharge kits is good for a season, maybe. Still, if you don't have
> the
> > > > money this year, but you might have it next year, it will be a good
> > > > investment. Especially if you live in Florida.
> > > >
> > > > Where I live, if you are too hot, just drive up hill. ;^)
> > > >
> > > > Earle
> > > >
> > > > "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> > > > news:aiT%f.10692$IZ2.4133@dukeread07...
> > > > > mlee did pass the time by typing:
> > > > > > the AC on my '96 Grand Cherokee has been blowing warm air so I
> took
> > it
> > > > > > to a local reputiable AC mechanic to have it fixed.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > His diagnosis:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Replace evaporator (leaking)
> > > > >
> > > > > This is not a good thing. It takes quite a bit of effort to
> > > > > get at the evaporator.
> > > > >
> > > > > > Replace discharge hose (leaking)
> > > > >
> > > > > o-rings probably. Look for grease/dirt around the fittings.
> > > > > A bit of oil escapes with the R134a and traps dirt.
> > > > > Resist the urge to overtighten the banjo bolts on the AC
> > > > > compressor, they are into very weak aluminum.
> > > > >
> > > > > > Replace what he called the "bendar motor"
> > > > >
> > > > > Blend-Air motor. This is the doodad that moves the
> > > > > damper between cold and hot or the cooling coil and heater core.
> > > > > They can go bad but it's not usual. They do stick and wear, but
> > > > > it's not common.
> > > > >
> > > > > > His estimate was $1700.00!!!!!!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I just can't afford that right now but I live in Florida and the
> > > summer
> > > > > > is almost here so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Is the above described work something I could do myself? What
> would
> > it
> > > > > > cost me to purchase the items I need to replace.
> > > > >
> > > > > Check the recall first.
> > > > >
> > > > > Generally AC work is hard for the backyard mechanic to do because
of
> > the
> > > > > equipment required to pump the system down if you replace major
> parts
> > > > > and the evaporator is a MAJOR part.
> > > > >
> > > > > Given the evaporator might be leaking the price (based on hours of
> > work)
> > > > > isn't that far out there. Getting that part out is a bitch of a
> job.
> > > > >
> > > > > What you could do is get a R134a recharge kit with pressure gauge
> and
> > > put
> > > > > some more coolant in there. It will leak out again but at least
> your
> > AC
> > > > > will probably work for a few more years. (all depends how much of
a
> > > leak
> > > > > you have.)
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > DougW
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Earle Horton

Leaks of any kind never get better, and very rarely stay the same. Heh,
with regard to the Cougar, if the refrigerant charge was down, the system
leaks. I have heard some pretty outrageous stories from air conditioning
mechanics, to explain failure to find a leak. "O-rings shrink in the cold,
and let all the refrigerant out. Now that it is warm, we can't find the
leak." That just means that they are not looking hard enough.

At least if you use the annual recharge method, and keep looking, sooner or
later you will find a wet spot. That is your leak.

Earle

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:1df80$444123e6$4831b233$32457@FUSE.NET...
> When I took my daughters Cougar in for A/C service the first they
> specifically asked if it had been recharged before and when.
>
> Apparently they are not supposed to just add R-12 to a leaky system but if
> it had been a few years then it was kosher with whoever made the rules.
>
> Personally if an annual recharge would hold me over then I would have no
> problem with that as his system uses R-134 then I would do it myself..
>
> On the blend door problem, unless the fix is something quick, easy, and
> cheap I would suffer along with letting the system blow the cold air
> wherever it wanted which in this case seems to be the floor vents.
>
> Perhaps the EPA needs to add regulations requiring that the A/C systems
> actually be easily serviceable. I know I would be less resistant to $100
> worth of labor than $1000 worth.
>
> But that is just me.
>
> "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:44411264$0$24444$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > Billy Ray,
> >
> > I figure the leak just started in the past year, and then drained down
the
> > system, to the point that it would not cool. That is my experience with
> > leaks anyway. It is unrealistic in the extreme, to expect that a
recharge
> > can is going to give another ten years of service. Otoh, they cost a
lot
> > less than $1,700.00!
> >
> > Earle
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:1d9dc$44404d97$4831b233$28123@FUSE.NET...
> > > His Jeep is 10 years old. If the leak took 10 years to show up then
> the
> > > leak is pretty slow...
> > >
> > >
> > > "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> > > news:44404271$0$24425$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > > > In my experience, which isn't all that much but it is something, if
> you
> > > have
> > > > a leak that is enough to stop your AC from working, then one of
those
> > > > recharge kits is good for a season, maybe. Still, if you don't have
> the
> > > > money this year, but you might have it next year, it will be a good
> > > > investment. Especially if you live in Florida.
> > > >
> > > > Where I live, if you are too hot, just drive up hill. ;^)
> > > >
> > > > Earle
> > > >
> > > > "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> > > > news:aiT%f.10692$IZ2.4133@dukeread07...
> > > > > mlee did pass the time by typing:
> > > > > > the AC on my '96 Grand Cherokee has been blowing warm air so I
> took
> > it
> > > > > > to a local reputiable AC mechanic to have it fixed.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > His diagnosis:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Replace evaporator (leaking)
> > > > >
> > > > > This is not a good thing. It takes quite a bit of effort to
> > > > > get at the evaporator.
> > > > >
> > > > > > Replace discharge hose (leaking)
> > > > >
> > > > > o-rings probably. Look for grease/dirt around the fittings.
> > > > > A bit of oil escapes with the R134a and traps dirt.
> > > > > Resist the urge to overtighten the banjo bolts on the AC
> > > > > compressor, they are into very weak aluminum.
> > > > >
> > > > > > Replace what he called the "bendar motor"
> > > > >
> > > > > Blend-Air motor. This is the doodad that moves the
> > > > > damper between cold and hot or the cooling coil and heater core.
> > > > > They can go bad but it's not usual. They do stick and wear, but
> > > > > it's not common.
> > > > >
> > > > > > His estimate was $1700.00!!!!!!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I just can't afford that right now but I live in Florida and the
> > > summer
> > > > > > is almost here so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Is the above described work something I could do myself? What
> would
> > it
> > > > > > cost me to purchase the items I need to replace.
> > > > >
> > > > > Check the recall first.
> > > > >
> > > > > Generally AC work is hard for the backyard mechanic to do because
of
> > the
> > > > > equipment required to pump the system down if you replace major
> parts
> > > > > and the evaporator is a MAJOR part.
> > > > >
> > > > > Given the evaporator might be leaking the price (based on hours of
> > work)
> > > > > isn't that far out there. Getting that part out is a bitch of a
> job.
> > > > >
> > > > > What you could do is get a R134a recharge kit with pressure gauge
> and
> > > put
> > > > > some more coolant in there. It will leak out again but at least
> your
> > AC
> > > > > will probably work for a few more years. (all depends how much of
a
> > > leak
> > > > > you have.)
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > DougW
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Earle Horton

Leaks of any kind never get better, and very rarely stay the same. Heh,
with regard to the Cougar, if the refrigerant charge was down, the system
leaks. I have heard some pretty outrageous stories from air conditioning
mechanics, to explain failure to find a leak. "O-rings shrink in the cold,
and let all the refrigerant out. Now that it is warm, we can't find the
leak." That just means that they are not looking hard enough.

At least if you use the annual recharge method, and keep looking, sooner or
later you will find a wet spot. That is your leak.

Earle

"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:1df80$444123e6$4831b233$32457@FUSE.NET...
> When I took my daughters Cougar in for A/C service the first they
> specifically asked if it had been recharged before and when.
>
> Apparently they are not supposed to just add R-12 to a leaky system but if
> it had been a few years then it was kosher with whoever made the rules.
>
> Personally if an annual recharge would hold me over then I would have no
> problem with that as his system uses R-134 then I would do it myself..
>
> On the blend door problem, unless the fix is something quick, easy, and
> cheap I would suffer along with letting the system blow the cold air
> wherever it wanted which in this case seems to be the floor vents.
>
> Perhaps the EPA needs to add regulations requiring that the A/C systems
> actually be easily serviceable. I know I would be less resistant to $100
> worth of labor than $1000 worth.
>
> But that is just me.
>
> "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:44411264$0$24444$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > Billy Ray,
> >
> > I figure the leak just started in the past year, and then drained down
the
> > system, to the point that it would not cool. That is my experience with
> > leaks anyway. It is unrealistic in the extreme, to expect that a
recharge
> > can is going to give another ten years of service. Otoh, they cost a
lot
> > less than $1,700.00!
> >
> > Earle
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:1d9dc$44404d97$4831b233$28123@FUSE.NET...
> > > His Jeep is 10 years old. If the leak took 10 years to show up then
> the
> > > leak is pretty slow...
> > >
> > >
> > > "Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
> > > news:44404271$0$24425$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> > > > In my experience, which isn't all that much but it is something, if
> you
> > > have
> > > > a leak that is enough to stop your AC from working, then one of
those
> > > > recharge kits is good for a season, maybe. Still, if you don't have
> the
> > > > money this year, but you might have it next year, it will be a good
> > > > investment. Especially if you live in Florida.
> > > >
> > > > Where I live, if you are too hot, just drive up hill. ;^)
> > > >
> > > > Earle
> > > >
> > > > "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> > > > news:aiT%f.10692$IZ2.4133@dukeread07...
> > > > > mlee did pass the time by typing:
> > > > > > the AC on my '96 Grand Cherokee has been blowing warm air so I
> took
> > it
> > > > > > to a local reputiable AC mechanic to have it fixed.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > His diagnosis:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Replace evaporator (leaking)
> > > > >
> > > > > This is not a good thing. It takes quite a bit of effort to
> > > > > get at the evaporator.
> > > > >
> > > > > > Replace discharge hose (leaking)
> > > > >
> > > > > o-rings probably. Look for grease/dirt around the fittings.
> > > > > A bit of oil escapes with the R134a and traps dirt.
> > > > > Resist the urge to overtighten the banjo bolts on the AC
> > > > > compressor, they are into very weak aluminum.
> > > > >
> > > > > > Replace what he called the "bendar motor"
> > > > >
> > > > > Blend-Air motor. This is the doodad that moves the
> > > > > damper between cold and hot or the cooling coil and heater core.
> > > > > They can go bad but it's not usual. They do stick and wear, but
> > > > > it's not common.
> > > > >
> > > > > > His estimate was $1700.00!!!!!!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I just can't afford that right now but I live in Florida and the
> > > summer
> > > > > > is almost here so I'm looking for a cheaper alternative.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Is the above described work something I could do myself? What
> would
> > it
> > > > > > cost me to purchase the items I need to replace.
> > > > >
> > > > > Check the recall first.
> > > > >
> > > > > Generally AC work is hard for the backyard mechanic to do because
of
> > the
> > > > > equipment required to pump the system down if you replace major
> parts
> > > > > and the evaporator is a MAJOR part.
> > > > >
> > > > > Given the evaporator might be leaking the price (based on hours of
> > work)
> > > > > isn't that far out there. Getting that part out is a bitch of a
> job.
> > > > >
> > > > > What you could do is get a R134a recharge kit with pressure gauge
> and
> > > put
> > > > > some more coolant in there. It will leak out again but at least
> your
> > AC
> > > > > will probably work for a few more years. (all depends how much of
a
> > > leak
> > > > > you have.)
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > DougW
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>