A/C issue

[Jehangir]

the other day I was waiting to pickup my order from the outback and all of a sudden I heard this loud "gunshot" sound from under my hood. Subsequently, I began venting something from the fromt passengerside wheel. Then my ac spotted cooling. After a quick inspection under the hood I realized I have no idea what happened. The compressor has kind of a black tint to it. but nothing else. Interestingly, the smoke came from the wheel well and not the headlight region. Has anyone had this happen to their car. Sounds like its gonna be expensive. 1992 q45a

[elwesso]

Sounds like its gonna be expensive. 1992 q45a

Probably.....

I wonder what that could have been... but obviously something in the compressor area has screwed up and you vented all your precious freon

I would try and get up under the car and see whats going on....

[90Q45blue]

Also, don't forget that most mechanics can fix this A/C system. You don't need to go to a dealer. You can also buy things like a new compressor from a junkyard.

http://www.car-part.com is a good place to look.

good luck,

Nick

[qship96]

blown compressor. entire system must be dismantled to remove debris from explosion,which will be found in every component and line of the entire system.new compressor and dryer needed as a minimum-dont waste a penny on a used compressor at this point,as the labor to clear all the debris out of entire system will be a large investment,and if undertaken,there is no reason to gamble on a used,old part failing soon and negating the dollars spent.

[elwesso]

blown compressor. entire system must be dismantled to remove debris from explosion,which will be found in every component and line of the entire system.new compressor and dryer needed as a minimum-dont waste a penny on a used compressor at this point,as the labor to clear all the debris out of entire system will be a large investment,and if undertaken,there is no reason to gamble on a used,old part failing soon and negating the dollars spent.

Good advice there.....

Sometimes you can score good remans on ebay.. but id still feel safer with one from Joe...

[Jehangir]

Well...Just got back from the shop. It was a blown high pressure hose. The shop was able to replace it and evacuate and recharge the system. $301.60. Driving with a functional A?C in Louisiana....priceless

[greg_atlanta]

Lucky you. I can live without A/C in Atlanta, but only because I can drive fast and open the windows. I know things are slow and swampy where you are.

[maxnix]

Sounds like one of your hoses failed catastrophically.

Had it happen in Denver once on a 100° F day with the kit AC they added to my Alfa. In my case, the hose was run too close to the exhaust manifolds.

Probably going to take a new compressor, all hoses, drier. Might want to consider changing to R134a since you may ro may not be able to use your condenser nor you evaporator as you were probably on your orignal charge. Only convert if you change everything.

[maxnix]

Well...Just got back from the shop. It was a blown high pressure hose. The shop was able to replace it and evacuate and recharge the system. $301.60. Driving with a functional A?C in Louisiana....priceless

You absotlutely at the bare minimum must replace the drier also, and be sure they replenish with the correct type and amount of lubricant.

The problem with not replacing the other hoses is you will be driving around wondering when the low side is going to blow, or even the compressor. At the price of R12, I would at least replace all hoses and inspect the compressor, blow out the evaporator and consdenser.