07/05/2024
Severe a/c compressor failure causes debris that ends up in the system, the condenser and most times expansion valve require replacement as neither can be flushed and the lines and evaporator core require flushing. Multiple problems can cause compressor failure, restricted cooling cores (radiator, condenser, oil coolers, etc), defective cooling fans, poor airflow across the evaporator causing the core to ice over and liquid slugging of the compressor, poor airflow can be caused by a plugged cabin air filter, dirty evaporator core or even a control issue and overcharging refrigerant can cause slugging as well. These pictures are of a compressor that catastrophically failed due to continuous liquid slugging of the compressor caused by a factory programming fault, determining the root cause of failure ensures that the system can be properly repaired to prevent future or premature failure. Modern A/C systems are very complex and efficient, they hold a small amount of refrigerant compared to older cars, some systems are less then 1lb of refrigerant so even a loss of a couple ounces can cause the system to stop cooling, older systems were inefficient and as such were designed to have a large capacity so they wouldn't stop cooling until a fair amount of refrigerant was lost. With all the modern advancements with newer systems refrigerant charge is critical, too much will cause liquid slugging and too little will cause poor cooling, if a system is low there is a leak and requires repair, taking your vehicle in for service/repair to a shop that knows what they are doing is going to cost money for diagnostics/performance testing but in the long run will save money, recharging your A/C with a hydrocarbon based refrigerant (redtek, duracool, etc) at home can end up saving you money but could also cost thousands if the system is overcharged or other problems are present and not corrected and it destroys the compressor and on a side not, refrigerant oil is very hydroscopic (absorbs moisture) and air is non compressible so if there is a leak it is most likely that moisture and air have entered the system requiring the system to be put into a vacuum to remove and if it is not, the air will cause high head pressures which strain the compressor and the system will not work correctly and moisture reacts with the oil creating an acid which will eat the A/C system components from the inside out. The final word of wisdom as well is to not put any sealer or conditioner in the A/C system, it will plug up the entire system over time and cannot be flushed, so if you are having A/C problems please bring it to a professional first to save yourself headaches and money in the long run.
