A/C Problems, This repair quote reasonable??

[gfisch]

Hey,
I have a '98 XLT and my AC stopped working last summer, and i finally decided to get it checked.
So, I was told by the mechanic that there is a leak from a bad oring on the low pressure side of the accumulator.
I was quoted at $380 for a new accumulator, flush, and refill.
Does this seem reasonable? Seems real high to me.
I checked the prices on the Accumulators and they arent too high. Could I do this myself? It is difficult? Can I flush and recharge on my own?

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Greg

 

[Glacier991]

It is high. You can have someone discharge the system... buy and replace the accumulator yourself, and have it evacuated and recharged by them (them being someone else besides this guy. No need to flush. And accumulator replacement itself is questionable. (depends on miles etc.) His price is high.

 

[mathnerd]

I just had all hoses, o-rings, and accumulator replaced, complete flush and fill with r-134a and paid $300 out the door.

 

[RileyNugent]

Rusty Accumulator

My accumulator was equiped with the foam pad around it. I have heard that is common for the wrapped accumulators to rust and leak. Sure enough that is where my leak is located. I was advised to inspect replace the orfice tube at the same time. I called the dealer they quoted 195 to replace the orfice tube and 245 to replace the accumulator. I was thinking about doing it myself. Where is the orfice tube located? The accumulator is only 44 and the variable office tube is 20 bucks. I figure it would be worth doing myself it is only another 125-150 for a evac and recharge on top of the 64 in parts. I really would like to replace the orfice tube too. So if anyone has any tips on where it is located and how to do it let me know.

Thanks

 

[Glacier991]

The orifice tube is located on the line from the condensor to the evaporator. It is about 50 - 60% of the way back. You will find a spring lock coupling and a bulge in the tubing. THAT is where it is. I have posted pics of the tool for its removel ... you can borrow it from A-Zone. Make sure the system is evacuated prior to removal.

 

[RileyNugent]

Thanks for the help. The ac system is totally discharged thanks to he huge leak in the rusty accumulator. I double checked it with the ac pressure gage and losened the nut on the ac line. I just have a few more questions. I have a seen a few posts that the spring couplings are a major source of leaks. I know there are a few companies that use these spring couplings. Are the Spring couplings damaged during removal. I have not had the pleasure to separate it yet. What componets of the couplings and seals are replaceable and if the replacable seals are easily found at most parts stores or will I need to get them from the dealer?

 

[Glacier991]

Are the Spring couplings damaged during removal. I have not had the pleasure to separate it yet. What componets of the couplings and seals are replaceable and if the replacable seals are easily found at most parts stores or will I need to get them from the dealer?

With the proper little tool they will be fine. The O-rings can often be reused if old ones are not available, but I recommend replacement. Try the aftermarket stores, they should have them. Use the green ones and lubricate them with mineral oil if you have it. While there are tools to clean up gunky garter fittings and replacement springs, rarely should you need them. The disassembly tool is nothing more than a little plastic sleeve that fits tightly on the line and slides into the overlap in the fitting, pushing the spring back, then you pull it apart. Sometime the orifice tube comes out easily, sometimes not. If you are going to try the variable orifice tube be sure and post your results. I may do a similar replacement - have the tube, just lazy.

 

[RileyNugent]

Sorry for the delay, I had some other projects that I had to do before I could get a chance to fix the a/c. Maybe I am a little lazy too. Intially, the variable orfice valve seems to work great. Keep in mind, I have only used it for a day. I don't know that it is any dramtic improvement. For me it is a dramitic improvement to just have a/c. Would I tear down a perfectly working system to put in the vov? No way, I have to many other things to do. However, if you have to evac and recharge to fix some other problem, I think it is worth doing. Thanks for your help.