'96 GC Air Conditioning woes
#41
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '96 GC Air Conditioning woes
In the case of the Cougar it was pretty much on a 2 year leak down cycle but
as I said I would spend $20 a year to recharge it annually rather than put
$1700 into a 10 year old car. (Assuming there is no emotional attachment to
the vehicle or a collector vehicle)
I would plan on applying that $1700 to the replacement when that time comes
as by the time my vehicles get to be 10 years old they are well over 150,000
miles...
Most of the cars I have owned were valued at less than $1700..., the ex-,
however, always had a nice new car....
"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44415ea9$0$14871$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
as I said I would spend $20 a year to recharge it annually rather than put
$1700 into a 10 year old car. (Assuming there is no emotional attachment to
the vehicle or a collector vehicle)
I would plan on applying that $1700 to the replacement when that time comes
as by the time my vehicles get to be 10 years old they are well over 150,000
miles...
Most of the cars I have owned were valued at less than $1700..., the ex-,
however, always had a nice new car....
"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44415ea9$0$14871$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
#42
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '96 GC Air Conditioning woes
In the case of the Cougar it was pretty much on a 2 year leak down cycle but
as I said I would spend $20 a year to recharge it annually rather than put
$1700 into a 10 year old car. (Assuming there is no emotional attachment to
the vehicle or a collector vehicle)
I would plan on applying that $1700 to the replacement when that time comes
as by the time my vehicles get to be 10 years old they are well over 150,000
miles...
Most of the cars I have owned were valued at less than $1700..., the ex-,
however, always had a nice new car....
"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44415ea9$0$14871$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
as I said I would spend $20 a year to recharge it annually rather than put
$1700 into a 10 year old car. (Assuming there is no emotional attachment to
the vehicle or a collector vehicle)
I would plan on applying that $1700 to the replacement when that time comes
as by the time my vehicles get to be 10 years old they are well over 150,000
miles...
Most of the cars I have owned were valued at less than $1700..., the ex-,
however, always had a nice new car....
"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44415ea9$0$14871$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
#43
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '96 GC Air Conditioning woes
In the case of the Cougar it was pretty much on a 2 year leak down cycle but
as I said I would spend $20 a year to recharge it annually rather than put
$1700 into a 10 year old car. (Assuming there is no emotional attachment to
the vehicle or a collector vehicle)
I would plan on applying that $1700 to the replacement when that time comes
as by the time my vehicles get to be 10 years old they are well over 150,000
miles...
Most of the cars I have owned were valued at less than $1700..., the ex-,
however, always had a nice new car....
"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44415ea9$0$14871$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
as I said I would spend $20 a year to recharge it annually rather than put
$1700 into a 10 year old car. (Assuming there is no emotional attachment to
the vehicle or a collector vehicle)
I would plan on applying that $1700 to the replacement when that time comes
as by the time my vehicles get to be 10 years old they are well over 150,000
miles...
Most of the cars I have owned were valued at less than $1700..., the ex-,
however, always had a nice new car....
"Earle Horton" <NurseBustersNoSpam@msn.com> wrote in message
news:44415ea9$0$14871$a82e2bb9@reader.athenanews.c om...
> 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
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