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| Compressor Replace and Expansion Valve; To replace the Valve or Not on Compressor Change | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 11 2018, 09:56 PM (306 Views) | |
| Rolando Geo | Apr 11 2018, 09:56 PM Post #1 |
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Good Day All, Although I should say I enjoy coming to this forum every time I do I have an issue, I will say that each time I have it has been a successful and low cost experience, so here we are. My AC compressor rebuild-now six years old-finally failed. The AC blew freezing until a slow end, when the air became barely cold. Checking the compressor under the hood a large amount of green dye was seen on top of the compressor, and with what appeared to be a leak area in the rear main seal (the end opposite the clutch) on top of the compressor, looking down on it. . It was reloaded with r134 and blew freezing cold again-for 1 week. Numbers looked good with experienced tech. Then the same thing happened (of course!). Bad seal. Clearly visible. Q: Planning to replace the dryer and compressor with a new rebuild, which I have, how likely is it that the expansion valve has also failed, or can I get away with not replacing it? I know exactly where it is and it looks to be a 3 to 4 hour job replacing it (under passenger side dash). Big dollars if a shop does it. I can get the compressor and and dryer put on, vacuum and recharge for 240.00 out the door without the expansion valve change. I have not the experience nor does the tech who helped me to replace the ac components ourselves considering the need for proper certified work. What are the chances of a success in a replace without the expansion valve replacement? Thanks! All opinions appreciated. |
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| suzukitom | Apr 12 2018, 01:07 AM Post #2 |
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If you know that your compressor seal leak was the sole cause of the loss of cooling problem, and your expansion valve is working, why would you want to replace it? Especially if the A/C operation was otherwise symptom free? |
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| Rolando Geo | Apr 12 2018, 06:49 AM Post #3 |
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I hear two sides of the repair. If you replace a compressor, you have to to change the dryer and expansion valve, if you do not, the compressor could fail. My regular shop just wanted to change the compressor and not the dryer or expansion, which I thought was not right in regards to the dryer. The compressor rebuild company requests the expansion valve be changed to honor a 12 month warranty. For such an inexpensive part there is far too much work if the replacement is not needed. On all vehicles I have owned, a rebuild has always lasted years after the warranty period. The car's AC was rebuilt 6 years ago. I wondered the likelihood of failure if I did the compressor and dryer, only. |
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| geogonfa | Apr 12 2018, 08:49 AM Post #4 |
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Just my .02ยข... Replace the the expansion valve, Drier and Compressor... If the compressor dies while under warranty the manufacturer will want a copy of the shop work order showing that the components were installed... If your are installing the components yourself, then like suzukitom stated, there shouldn't be a problem... Removing the Evap. box and the Blower box is not that hard to do ... While you're in there, reseal the Evaporator box and the blower box which will help a lot when it really starts getting hot out, the seals on the boxes deteriorate after 15 years or so and start to leak, reducing air flow... read Geo's Garage starting with Post #47 http://geometroforum.com/topic/8111407/4/ You can make your own seals, or, you can get a seal kit here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heater-Blower-Assy-Rebuild-Kit-Geo-Metro-Suzuki-Swift-89-2001-New-Genuine-OE-/222383353269 |
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| Rolando Geo | Apr 12 2018, 04:59 PM Post #5 |
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I have seen these posts after I did a search on this forum for "expansion valve". Thanks much. Looking at doing all three replacements, and the blower seal if needed. |
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| JellyBeanDriver | Apr 12 2018, 11:11 PM Post #6 |
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Frankly the original one is better quality than aftermarket. I replaced one in Calrenman's Geo after the drier allowed dessicant to flow through the system and clogged it. 2 weeks later I reinstalled the original back in as the replacement he bought failed. Not much can go wrong with them (unless they're poorly made). They don't really wear out. |
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| Rolando Geo | Apr 14 2018, 09:09 AM Post #7 |
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Not the first time I have heard this, and against all odds I talked it over with the mechanics several times again yesterday so after the advice I am installing the new AC compressor and dryer in without changing the expansion valve. Despite my previous thought on replacing all of it. It blows cold they say, it should be in good shape. I have also heard the aftermarket valves are not very good - on this very same part - so I will swing with it. It all boils down to cost. 3 hours working that dash work adds another $$$ near to the bill, and I can only do so much on my end to cut costs. I will post the outcome. For the forum benefit, the ac compressor was bought from Jensen Auto in MI...rebuilt from the top up...for 97.00...and that includes shipping. I was on the phone with their techs and the rebuild included parts, seals and pressure testing. Edited by Rolando Geo, Apr 14 2018, 09:10 AM.
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| Rolando Geo | Apr 21 2018, 03:29 PM Post #8 |
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Compressor changed, with dryer, works great and blows cold, AC tech doing the installation says checking the gauge numbers after r-134 re-introduced into system shows the expansion valve is likely not closing all the way. He says it can be colder if it was replaced. Expansion valve replacement in the works. Thanks all. |
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