₦airaland Forum

mdautotec:
Sorry, I read again your statement that the condenser was replaced with a fan attached to it?

Firstly, possibly he did not check the system properly. He may be right in replacing the compressor due to leakage OR internal failure.

If it is an internal failure there may be a possibility the internally damaged pistons have allowed metal particles (shavings) to circulate through the system. If this is the case and you DO NOT flush the system (including evaporator), change the condenser assy and receiver drier, you can replace any number of compressors they will keep getting damaged!

Another issue is that your mechanic has changed the AC condenser with another type with a fan attached to it. This means he has certainly fabricated the condenser into place by cutting and welding the factory liquid (high pressure) lines. AC systems are designed to work at their peak efficiency with the components designed and installed from factory. It can be done effectively, but modifying it without understanding what is installed from factory can lead to a real mess.

The condenser is made up of tiny coils and cooling fins for maximum condensation (releasing of heat to the cooler ambient air flowing through it). In this case IF your mechanic has placed a smaller condenser than factory (despite the fan attached to it), it will increase the head (high) pressure in the system. High head pressures are also damaging to the AC compressor!

GO THROUGH THE FOLLOWING:

1) Let your mechanic ensure the AC (refrigerant oil) in the system is not turned a blackish color with metal particles.

2) If so, flush the system (including evaporator - located behind center of dashboard on Corolla '08). ENSURE THIS IS DONE THOROUGHLY....THE ENTIRE SYSTEM!

3) Replace the AC condenser with the original one that came from factory. Put about one (1) ounce of ND-Oil 8 (refrigerant oil) in it, before fitment.

4) The original AC condenser will have a receiver drier fitted inside, so no need to purchase a separate one.

5) Put the factory fan back in place (assuming that it is working perfectly well)! If not, change the fan , but put the original fan from factory!

6) Replace the AC compressor with an original Denso (factory) one. Put about two (2) ounces of ND-Oil 8 (refrigerant oil) in it.

7) Make sure all the O - ring seals are replaced on all fittings to ensure no system leakages!

It probably would be a good idea to replace the expansion valve as well at this time. As the system has already been opened and I am certain that your mechanic would not have changed this part.

9) Once everything is coupled properly and all O - ring seals replaced, hook up a vacuum pump to the system and vaccum it for about 20 minutes. The purpose of vacuuming a system is to remove the moisture that has entered the system when opened. Most mechanics don't bother because they do not know about it. Moisture in the system, if not removed causes a reaction with the refrigerant oil in the system that eats away the O-ring seals. This over time causes leakages in the system.

10) During the vacuum process you may add another one (1) ounce of ND-Oil 8 (refrigerant oil) through the vaccum machine.

11) Once completed fill the AC system with the specified amount of R134a freon (gas). There will be a sticker under the bonnet specifying the refrigerant quantity. Corolla '08 should be approximately 460 - 600 grams.

12) After filling let the system run at various loads and check for system leakages. Check high side (compressor, condenser, liquid lines) first, followed by low side (evaporator, expansion valve, low side hoses). There are various ways of checking. The local mechanics ways are to use soapy water around pipes and fittings. The best way is to install a dye in the system or use an electronic leak detector.

The above guide is as long as the electrical potion of the AC system is functioning perfectly well. I have based the above on this assumption because you mentioned the system has been fixed twice now and it has worked briefly (up to 2 weeks). If the electrical portion of it was faulty the blower fan etc would not engage at all....! NO COOLING...NOTHING!! A/C sub panel, wiring, relay issues etc. You have not mentioned any issue relating to this.

Once all factory components are used and procedures as above are followed you will have a factory trouble - free system that will serve you perfectly well!

If the above is too much for your mechanic take it to a standard service centre!

GOOD LUCK!

themes009:
Is this still available?