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Subject:90 Carat: A/C Dying Diagnosis Confirm Please
From:Mark B. Magee
Date:Tue, 23 May 2000 20:14:24 -0500

Volks,
Thanks to Joel and others with my Sanden compressor question.
My problem is A/C is not blowing COLD. Took it to my neighbor who is
truck mech and auto A/C mech for big-rigs, just for a 134a top off for
the rig was converted when I bought the Vanagon.
He says following:
1) When he touched schrader valves high-side grey-ish brown-ish material
came out with the small amount of gas. He immediately suspected
problems.
2) He put on the gauges and it being about 89F outside gauges
corresponded to proper amount of gas in the system.
3) He next checked head pressure and could only get 150 bs maximum out
of high side w/unit running wide open, at this point about 90F outside.
His Diagnosis:
A) Unit was converted in 1998 as indicated by mandated sticker not due
to Eco-friendly owner, but rather compressor failure. Compressor looks
-very- new.
B) When job done, lines not properly blown out w/nitrogen/brake cleaner
and all metal from old dying compressor pistons remained in the lines in
solution w/old oil.
C) New compressor now losing compression due to digest of metal filings
left in lines
His Recommendations:
1) New: compressor, reciever/dryer, expansion valve and O-rings.
2) Properly blow lines out with some solvent similar to brake cleaner to
remove all contaminants.
3) Remove old/install new parts mentioned above, oil compressor, vac
down and refill.

This all sound right on to me, he is a friend and offers all labor for
next to nothing ($100 USDs). Anyone see anything wrong with this
diagnosis or had similar circumstances to have me look at something
else?
Any and all feedback appreciated
Regards
Mark Magee
Kemah TX USA
90 Carat
John 14:6

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