Black death in the A/C system.

[sprhnl]

Is there anyone out there that could give me some advice on what it takes to fix this and convert to the r134 freon as well?

Links, procedures, and tips would be appreciated.

Regards,

Sprhnl

 

[BrooklynBay]

Once there is black death in the system, it's recommended to replace everything in the entire system since flushing might not remove everything. The internal seals are probably deteriorated, and what you see are fragments. You could get the newer compressor, lines, and accumulator from the later models which came with R-134A from the factory.

 

[sprhnl]

Once there is black death in the system, it's recommended to replace everything in the entire system since flushing might not remove everything. The internal seals are probably deteriorated, and what you see are fragments. You could get the newer compressor, lines, and accumulator from the later models which came with R-134A from the factory.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will start looking for a used system then.

Regards

Sprhnl

 

[BrooklynBay]

How do you know that used parts will be better? There is no way to know their condition unless they were removed from a working system.

 

[rookieshooter]

X2

 

[sprhnl]

How do you know that used parts will be better? There is no way to know their condition unless they were removed from a working system.

Got you. Will try eBay. Is there a list of parts I need?

sprhnl

 

[Maniak]

Just to give you an idea of how nasty black death is..

This is our orifice tube after 1 year on a system that is suffering black death.

Black Death on a Variable Orifice Tube by maniak_az, on Flickr

Off the top of my head, here are the parts you need to replace..
condensor
Evaporator
Receiver/dryer
Orifice tube
Hoses (high and low pressure)

Other little things you will need are o-rings, oil and r-134.

If your in a hot climate get a VOR (Variable orifice tube). If your in extremely hot areas (like Phoenix, Az) get the extreme Variable orifice tube as it will really help the a/c work when your sitting in traffic when its 115F out.

Also, if you don't already have one, add a heater control bypass to your heater hoses. This will keep hot water out of the a/c box when your on max a/c. There are a few threads on here about adding that.

~Mark

 

[sprhnl]

Just to give you an idea of how nasty black death is..

This is our orifice tube after 1 year on a system that is suffering black death.

Black Death on a Variable Orifice Tube by maniak_az, on Flickr

Off the top of my head, here are the parts you need to replace..
condensor
Evaporator
Receiver/dryer
Orifice tube
Hoses (high and low pressure)

Other little things you will need are o-rings, oil and r-134.

If your in a hot climate get a VOR (Variable orifice tube). If your in extremely hot areas (like Phoenix, Az) get the extreme Variable orifice tube as it will really help the a/c work when your sitting in traffic when its 115F out.

Also, if you don't already have one, add a heater control bypass to your heater hoses. This will keep hot water out of the a/c box when your on max a/c. There are a few threads on here about adding that.

~Mark

Ouch, thanks for that info. What happened with my AC was that I turned a corner and heard a bang. Apparently my Compressor seized and the serpentine belt broke. Replaced the belt but have not touched tha AC settings as the belt isn't cheap either.

I purchased an AC bypass pulley and thought I would dismantle the system w/o having to rush it. On EBAY it seems like the AC hoses cost more than the devices. I thought I might use some acetone or something stronger.

regards,

sprhnl

 

[joshhemming]

I need to install a new compressor in my 3.0L Aerostar, also (it locks up when the A/C is switched on), along with probably a new dryer. And I definitely want to convert the system to R134. I don't think I have black death, although it's possible. I guess when I remove the hoses from the old compressor I'll be able to see for sure.

I don't have a clue as to which compressor to buy. Four Seasons seems to have the largest market share for aftermarket compressors. Anyone know if that is a good quality brand?

What else do I need to change to make the conversion to R134?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The accumulator has different fittings for R-134A, so that should be replaced as well.

 

[joshhemming]

"The accumulator has different fittings for R-134A, so that should be replaced as well."

....Which brings up another question: If I buy a new accumulator for my 93 Aerostar (which uses R12), I assume it will come with the R12 fittings. How can I get one that will fit my 93 but have R134a fittings? And will I have to replace the hoses that connect to the accumulator too, since they have R12 fittings on the ends?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You will have to replace the entire system if it has black death, so the easiest way to convert it is to use parts from a later model which was equipped with R-134A from the factory.

 

[sprhnl]

You will have to replace the entire system if it has black death, so the easiest way to convert it is to use parts from a later model which was equipped with R-134A from the factory.

Was it 94 or 95 that 134 became the norm?

Can you give a list of components needed?

I appreciate your help.

Sprhnl

 

[BrooklynBay]

It looks like it was 1994 according to the parts cross reference on EBay. Check Mark's post above for a list of parts to replace.