My sis-in-law has an Acura and her A/C is shot. She took it in to the dealer and the dealer told her the entire system needed to be replaced because something internally sheared and everything is contaminated. Unfortunately she is trying to relay info she doesn't understand but from what I gather I am assuming they are telling her that the entire system is shot because of metal shavings throughout the system. They quoted her $1700.

I don't know a whole lot about A/C's but I did get a recharge kit and when I put it on it was in the "Green" so the freon level is good meaning there definitely is something wrong. Its just the first time I've heard someone say an entire A/C system needs replaced. It seems like you could just flush the system.

I told her to ask around and find a reputable non-dealer repair shop and take it in for a second opinion but thought I would ask if anyone had ever heard of this.

 

If the compressor is locked up (thats the only moving part) you need to replace the comp and dryer flush out the evap and condenser and lines also replace the expansion valve they may call it somthing else. after flushing the system oil needs to be added to replace all the oil removed from flushing then evac and charge. In rare cases you would need to replace the evap and condenser. When the comp go's out the dryer or accumulater catches most of the crap some can get to the exp valve but rarely go's further. the price quoted may be what they need to guarentee they work.

 

+1 ^ you hit the nail on the head eagle as long as there is no leak in the coils they can be flushed out and only the bad parts need to be replace i.e. compressor

 

1700 my ***...get a estimate from a few good mom and pop shops.

 

Hope you don't mind the intrusion - how do you flush the a/c system? Special tools required? I need to replace the compressor on my Dakota and need some help. Thanks

 

I spray a can of brake parts cleaner in the condenser and evaporator as well as the lines. I then blow them out carefully with compressed air. Worked great on Dad's F150 when the compressor came apart internally and filled the system with shavings.
I replaced the compressor, receiver/dryer, and orifice tube.
Depending on the system, it may not have an orifice tube, it may have an expansion valve. If so, it will need replaced too.
It is a time consuming job and the parts will run roughly $500 give or take.
After the system has been cleaned and reassembled with the new/cleaned parts, it will need to be vacuumed down for awhile to remove any moisture in the system, then the proper oil must be added before charging.
$1700 at dealer hourly rates, isn't that far off. Yes, a small shop will probably do it for less.

 

there is a flush for ac. I woluld never use brake clean it could cause seal dammage and blow up never use a flamable liquid in the ac

 

How does the flush work? Do you run it through as if it were refrigerant and then vacuum it out?

 

most flush is in bulk liquid. you need a container you can pressure up and spray through the hose and parts then blow out with air. this will remove all the oil and you need to replace it .If you haven done this before I would recomend you find a shop that will do it for you. depends on the system thing need to be disconected. If you dont know AC you can cause dammage to the sys and you. Most on here will tell you it easy but they dont have to pay for something you could dammage. AC repair has federal laws that apply and most people dont pay att to it . have the sys recoverd remove the part you need to replace (comp, dryer exp valve) then before you put any parts on have it flushed out by some one who knows how. then you can install the new parts and then have the same shop evac and charge the sys . dont for get to add oil most cases are 2 oz per large part comp has it's own rule some come w oil some dont you will prob need at least 9 oz of oil If you buy a comp most places will requier you to replace the dryer and prove you had it flushed to get a warr

 

Brake clean evaporates quickly and with the system apart, I replaced all of the seals anyway. You have to wash it out and I use compressed air afterwards anyway. Yes they do make a system flush, but it's not commonly available, but would be a better way to flush the system.