Expert: Candido Figueroa - 6/26/2009

Question
I have changed a failed a/c compressor on a 1997 chevy blazer with a working one that I took off another salvaged 1997 chevy blazer.  First, I flushed out the entire low side of the system and blew out the remaining cleaner with compressed air.  Then I changed the orifice tube and drier. (Original orifice tube had metal shavings on it - which I was told was why my original compressor failed). I then evacuated the system for 45 minutes, added 19 oz of r134 (wanted to check for leaks before I added any more).  Had cool air for about 1/2 a day then only hot air.  I heard a hissing sound from the compressor body and then I checked the orifice tube and noticed metal shavings again.  Why?  What could I have done wrong?

Answer
Hi Wayne

You said you flushed the entire low side.  You really to flush the hi side.  The condensor is what gets full of the metal shavings from the bad compressor.  The orifice tube will not allow the metal to move any further than the screen.  On some vehicles just cleaning will not solve the problem.  You may have to replace condensor.