95 Caravan 3.0L - A/C Question

[Flashfox]

Follow-up... it's been over a week now and my A/C is running fine.

Checked the pressure today and it is the same. It's not that difficult to maintain once you have the "tools". However, I did use the Pep-Boys refill cans and as I had already inserted the stop-leak, the "harm" was done. In any event, it's working and it is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole system... especially on an old 1995 vehicle!

By the way, prior to my own work, I went to two garages regarding my A/C. One quoted $1500 while the other dropped an $1800 estimate!

Part of the problem ARE these types of garagists who will try anything to eat you alive... hence why we are pushed towards "self support".

Who can you trust???

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Flashfox

Follow-up... it's been over a week now and my A/C is running fine.

Checked the pressure today and it is the same. It's not that difficult to maintain once you have the "tools". However, I did use the Pep-Boys refill cans and as I had already inserted the stop-leak, the "harm" was done. In any event, it's working and it is a lot cheaper than replacing the whole system... especially on an old 1995 vehicle!

By the way, prior to my own work, I went to two garages regarding my A/C. One quoted $1500 while the other dropped an $1800 estimate!

Part of the problem ARE these types of garagists who will try anything to eat you alive... hence why we are pushed towards "self support".

Who can you trust???

Glad it is still doing OK.
I wondered about them estimates you got.
Somthing was not right there.
Air cond repair usually does not cost that much.
If your air cond is still working good there was not that much bad to start with.
On the stop leak it is not good on the air cond system.
Just like putting super glue in it.
http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...threadid=15719
If you can keep the system full and not let air in it or get low it may not give you any problem or it may even have stoped a leak.
But if it gets low or air hits it look out. It turns to pure crap.
This link here has some good info on stop leak.
http://www.autoacforum.com/
Also on finding a good repair shop you can trust.
I would avoid the chain store repair shops.
Some may be good but many are not.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

Good luck and thanks for posting back and letting us know how it went.
MT

[npye]

Wow, glad I came across this thread before having Canadian Tire recharge with a sealant. They actually have that as their follow step once the dye has shown the leak. They showed me in the computer. I wonder how often they have their equipment bunged trying to evacuate AC systems that have sealant in them?

97 Voyager 3.8. Have done the recharge and dye thing with the Dodge dealership. They say the leak is coming from the evaporator coil and that it needs to be replaced. $1500 CDN they want. $500 parts and $1000 labour.

It ran out on us last summer and is still blowing cold now but we haven't used the AC much since having it recharged. I have no idea how bad the leak is.

Instead of paying $1500 and considering this van is almost 10 years old, I will just get it recharged annually if required. Hopefully it takes a year or more to completely leak. Problem is, the dealership tells me that they are not permitted to recharge a known leaking system (aside from the initial dye troubleshooting step).

Does the AC leak continually or only when we are using the AC (including using the defog settings which turn the AC on as well I believe)?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by npye

Wow, glad I came across this thread before having Canadian Tire recharge with a sealant. They actually have that as their follow step once the dye has shown the leak. They showed me in the computer. I wonder how often they have their equipment bunged trying to evacuate AC systems that have sealant in them?

97 Voyager 3.8. Have done the recharge and dye thing with the Dodge dealership. They say the leak is coming from the evaporator coil and that it needs to be replaced. $1500 CDN they want. $500 parts and $1000 labour.

It ran out on us last summer and is still blowing cold now but we haven't used the AC much since having it recharged. I have no idea how bad the leak is.

Instead of paying $1500 and considering this van is almost 10 years old, I will just get it recharged annually if required. Hopefully it takes a year or more to completely leak. Problem is, the dealership tells me that they are not permitted to recharge a known leaking system (aside from the initial dye troubleshooting step).

Does the AC leak continually or only when we are using the AC (including using the defog settings which turn the AC on as well I believe)?

Whow now I see where the 1500$ estimate comes in.
Depending where the leak is. A evaperator or hose on low pressure side will leak more when not using the air. It has around 30 lbs of pressure on it with air running and 75-100 lbs of pressure not running.
Condenser or high side will leak more running.
But leaks are strange some leak in cold weater and some hot weather or using system.
Kinda like a slow leaking tire/wheel.
If the evaperator leak is very bad check around at some good independent repair shops for a estimate.

Flat rate is 5.5 hrs labor on it plus recharge. And a aftermarket evaporator core .
You should be able to do it for half of what the dealer wants.
Or if you are good at diy you might give it a try yourself.
Good Luck
MT

[npye]

Thanks for the advice. I think you are right, should be able to get it done for half the price if I shop around and find the parts myself.

Hehe, I'm a computer guy, not a mechanic. This car stuff scares me.

Thanks again.