mohrds |
05-12-2005 10:20 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhl0125
My air conditioner is blowing warm. I had it pressure tested and there is n pressure at all. The mechanic said that the "O" rings on the lines were leaking and it is a complicated job to get to them to replace them. He thinks a lot of labor will be involved. Is this true? Is this something I could do myself? Are there are "how-to's" on this?
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The O-rings are about $10 for a multi-pack. They don't make a specific kit for the SVX so you have to get the multi-pack which contains about 12 different sizes.
There are two on the compressor, two on the dryer (replace that while you are in there if the AC has been dead for a while) and two at the passenger side firewall. It is at most a 30 minute job.
AC repair is one of those "every customer is afraid, so we can charge more" kind of repairs.
If it is R-12 expect about $100 in Freon and if it is R-134, it should be about $25 for the freon.
Depending on what state you live in, you can get everything at your local parts store. I know for sure you can buy it in North Carolina, but not in Wisconsin, so I stocked up on O-rings and freon while I was down there a few years ago.
Automotive AC systems leak. No matter how well they are designed, you will lose freon over time. Imagine designing a joint seal that must go from below zero weather to engine operating temperature in a few minutes. Over the years, the pressure in the AC system leaks out slowly. There may or may not be something wrong with the system or it may be so low that the low pressure switch isn't letting the AC kick in. A lot of shops insist if the system is low, there must be a problem and will scare you into having part after part replaced. Most times, a 10 year old car just needs a recharge to replace the freon lost naturally over time.
Doug
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