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Auto Air Conditioning Service and Repair

 

The automotive AC system is internally lubricated with an average of 6 to 8 ounces of oil, your engine runs on an average of 160 ounces (5 quarts) and you change it every 3,000 miles. The 6 to 8 ounces of oil in your cars AC system should be changed out every year, and requires the use of an automotive AC machine. When the AC service is neglected the small amount of oil becomes contaminated, looses the ability to lubricate, and eventually evaporates completely.

 

In 2006 Just one automotive AC Compressor manufacturer reported $13.1 BILLION in US sales, after 30 years in the business I can tell you for sure that ...They don't make them like they used to! Preventive maintenance is the responsible way to go, and will save you not only money, and time, but also some aggravation. Today's cars use a serpentine belt system which drives not only the AC Compressor, but also the water pump, alternator, and power steering....when the compressor locks up due to lack of oil, it usually takes out the belt with it... Call the tow truck!

 

The average cost of a "Complete AC Service" is around $100, depending on how well the system has been maintained. My advice is to keep the AC System serviced every spring, with a full recover, evacuation, and refill (R134a, Synthetic Oil, Dye).

 

"Black Death," as it is known by A/C system service professionals, results from a catastrophic breakdown of the refrigerant-lubricant (Not Servicing Annually) which in turn causes excessive wear inside the compressor. In a typical case of "Black Death," metal particles are circulated throughout the system contaminating other components and necessitating either thorough flushing or complete AC system replacement. The swash-plate compressors used by Ford are particularly susceptible to this problem. Similar damage can also occur inside the compressors used in some GM and Chrysler A/C systems if not serviced regularly.

See picture below of a new Automotive AC orfice tube filter, and one pulled from a system with "Black Death".

 

Below is a cutaway view of a Sanden style Automotive AC Compressor, check out the small parts inside that spin at several thousand RPM's while you drive down the road. Servicing your Automotive AC System will make the compressor more efficient and run cooler, which saves you gas, and keeps you cool and comfortable.

The Orfice tube on the left is NEW

and the one on the right was removed from an AC system with "Black Death"