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Frost on A/C lines

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Old 09-01-2006, 09:00 PM
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Default ::UPDATE::Frost on A/C lines

What would cause this to happen. Sometimes it develops on the accumulator and the lines attached to it but sometimes it doesnt. I just recently replaced the system and I dont know if I should be worried....

Last edited by blkbird; 10-01-2006 at 08:25 PM.
Old 09-01-2006, 09:06 PM
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You might have a leak, check all the valves and connections. If not line could be clogged...
Old 09-02-2006, 08:18 AM
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It blows cold and I havent had any problems with it though. Just the frost building up....
Old 09-02-2006, 09:06 AM
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The frost is just a product of excessive humidity and a very efficient system. As long as your evaporator is not freezing over and restricting airflow don't worry about it.
Old 09-02-2006, 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Marc 85Z28
The frost is just a product of excessive humidity and a very efficient system. As long as your evaporator is not freezing over and restricting airflow don't worry about it.
I would lean more with what he said, not the guy who told you it could be a leak.
Old 09-02-2006, 10:53 AM
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It means that your ac is working great, dont worry about it
Old 09-02-2006, 01:48 PM
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I wont sweat until it quits working, but yeah, it works really well.....
Old 09-02-2006, 01:55 PM
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exactly what marc said coming from an HVAC/R guy

edit:frost or moisture(condensation)?
Old 10-01-2006, 08:24 PM
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Ok!! The SOB quit working on me again. I took it apart and found the orifice tube really clogged up. I went and replaced it and tried to put some more freon in the damn thing and it would not take. Could it be that my compressor is jacked up again?? This is the second time I have replaced it this year. I have been getting rebuilt compressor from Oreillys, could this also be an issue??? I at my wits end with this. Help please!!!!!
Old 10-01-2006, 08:54 PM
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check the dryer, compressor and the line fitings..have some test an see if there is a leak
Old 10-01-2006, 09:07 PM
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First of all, aftermarket rebuilt AC compressors are typically junk. They seem to be especially bad with our compressors.

Second, why did you initially "replace the system", and what does that include?

Third, did you use the correct type and amount of oil?

Finally, excessive debris on the orifice tube could be caused by one of 2 things: either residual debris from the improper or lack of replacement parts and flushing the first time or from the junk rebuilt compressor. Regardless, you MUST replace the compressor (GM GM GM!), orifice tube, accumulator/receiver/drier and perform and complete flush. I think our condensers can be flushed. Failure to follow the above directions will result in another failure.
Old 10-01-2006, 09:36 PM
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Marc: When I replaced the OEM it was because it was toast, it started whinning and everything. I replaced the accumulator, orifice tube, compressor and used the recommended amount of oil the both times after that. The only thing I didnt do was get the system flushed out. I know that is probably why but, how much would that cost?? I dont want to spend a fortune on it. I can do all the other labor myself.

Last edited by blkbird; 10-01-2006 at 09:56 PM.
Old 10-02-2006, 12:08 AM
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All my AC stuff is original 94 besides the new GM compressor I put in 6 months ago rebuilding the motor.. used correct amount of oil and **** and have been driving the car past 4-5 weeks.. havnt had the system flushed yet think there will be any problems? what do u guys recommend i do

never put freon or anything in it either I accidently turned the ac on once.. (trying not to run it due to no flush yet)
Old 10-02-2006, 12:19 AM
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a system flush you do you good, with what youve been talking about
Old 10-02-2006, 06:53 PM
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Im going to ask around the local shops and see how much they will charge for a system flush and what is the proper way to do it, as far as with a new compressor on or off the system during the flush. This is really starting to aggravate me, but lesson learned, do it right the first time......
Old 10-03-2006, 07:16 PM
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Well, I had an in depth discussion with an A/C guy here in town and he suggested to replace the condenser since that is probably the main cause of my problems. He said that the ones in our car were difficult to flush out and might not clean them out completely. So, Im gonna have to shell out some more $$$ for a new one.
Old 10-04-2006, 12:08 AM
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Anytime you have a catastrophic compressor failure like you stated a flush is mandatory. The flush itself is really quite simple. Its basically just a pressurized can with solution in it. The can will come with detailed instructions on proper usage.

Before you just go and replace the condenser, I would remove it and take it to a local radiator repair shop. They will be able to confirm if it can be cleaned out and if so do it for you. MUCH cheaper than a new condenser.

BTW - Dont worry about the accidental AC request (defrost mode uses the AC compressor too...) because without any refrigerant in the system the compressor will not turn on with the HVAC in the AC mode. Or if it makes you feel any better you could just disconnect the AC compressor.
Old 10-04-2006, 12:28 AM
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rebuilt compressors are ****. i went through 3 vatozone remans on the same car and they didnt compress the freon for ****.

when it blows warmor cold with the stench of *** youre screwed.
Old 10-04-2006, 11:26 AM
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I guess I was not wrong after all, goes to show you alot of people on here know alot about very little, That sucks you are having to shell out more money to fix the same problem...
Old 10-17-2006, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by @nthony
rebuilt compressors are ****. i went through 3 vatozone remans on the same car and they didnt compress the freon for ****.

when it blows warmor cold with the stench of *** youre screwed.

Did you finally get your a/c fixed?? Did you still end up using a remanufactured unit??




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