Did I Get Hosed?

[CapitalTruck]

I recently took my 2004 4.8 into the dealership to have the A/C inspected. Everything seems to have been working fine, however, if freon levels start to slip it is bad for the compressor and then all hell breaks loose. Basically, after 62,000 miles I just wanted to make sure everything was doing as it should, and it is hard for shadetree like me to do a good ac inspection. They said (and I went with) I needed a new oriface valve (which is a little mesh screen located in the freon lines). They claimed it was clogged. I went ahead and had it done, however, I am kind of kicking myself because I am scared that I got hosed. How could the screen get clogged in a "closed" system? Why would debris be in the system to clog the valve? The SOB was expensive to replace, obviously they had to evacuate and recharge. What do you think?

[bassadict69]

Was it cooling properly? Blowing cold?

 

Usually the only time we sell an orifice tube is when the compressor locks up, craters, etc, because then it does put metal into the system.

 

Did they also replace your accumulator? It should be replaced anytime you break into the system, at least that is the way it is with these BIG trucks (class 8)

[unit731]

Well, it's not Freon.

 

If it was not broken, then don't fix it.

 

Is there preventative maintenance to an air conditioning system?

 

I have window air conditoners till working fine after 25 years.

 

My 1990 Chevrolet 1500 air conditioning system lasted 15 years with nothing ever been touched.

 

Two years ago, I had to replace the check valve. I still have same compressor, same hoses, same everything - and if works perfectly.

 

Did you get hosed? From the little information you provided, yes, you did get hosed. Unless you can provide more information as to a problem with the air conditioning system.

[ZZ327]

its definitly possible to get clogged up. If it works now then you didnt get screwed

[pm26]

As was mentioned before, the orifice tube is usually replaced when the A/C compressor disintegrates internally and contaminates the inside of the A/C system with metal particles.

 

There are two basic types of automotive A/C systems:

 

1. expansion valve/receiver-dryer type

 

2. orifice tube/accumulator tank type

 

In the orifice tube system, the compressor clutch cycles frequently, and the system is more efficient overall. The expansion valve system is even more prone to clogging internally, and there in no compressor clutch cycling taking place.

[CapitalTruck]

d**n. I should have left well enough alone. It was working good when I took it in. It works fine now, but I probably should have just told them to leave it alone. Oh well, who knows. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. By Freon I meant any refrigerant, I know we have the R-134 and not the old school R-12. I think the term "freon" covers both of these. I think?