1989 Suburban air conditioner compressor issue

[denzel13]

The clutch bearing failed and we replace the whole unit compressor and clutch. (rebuilt) when we charged it with R12 compressor seized up after about 3 1/2 cans long before full charge. Then we returned that compressor got another rebuilt and converted to R134. That compressor also failed before full charge. We are following the instruction on the compressor to add oil before charging. Again we returned the compressor and this time we took the Suburban to Brake Masters and they tried to charge it with the same results. We then bought a new (not rebuilt) compressor and had the same results twice. We can not figure why the compressors are seizing up. We also replaced the accumulator dryer and the orifice tube. Old orifice tube was not plugged. Is there something we are missing that is causing this to continue. Please help it is climbing to 100 degrees today!

[94century]

Make sure not to turn the a/c on until you get the oil and at least one can of refrigerant. the oil and refrigerant has over 100 psi in the can. give that a try and see if it works

[denzel13]

Originally Posted by 94century

Make sure not to turn the a/c on until you get the oil and at least one can of refrigerant. the oil and refrigerant has over 100 psi in the can. give that a try and see if it works

Yes, in each replacement attempt we added oil, and the pressure switch would not allow power to the clutch until at least some part of one can of refrigerant was added. The mystery is, why is each compressor failing so quickly. The only thing common to each case is the remainder of the system; we've tried rebuilt and new compressors. The instructions that come with the compressors state the system should be flushed, but do not specify how and with what substance. The last three attempts were completed by personnel at BrakeMasters, so I was not involved in the charging process. Please help us identify what is causing multiple failures here.

[GMMerlin]

So you are going to a shop that specializes in brakes to get your A/C repaired...thats like going to McDonalds to get a new suit.

If your compressor fails, it sends metal thoughout the system. If the system is not flushed properly and the proper filters and screens installed, the residual metal will find its way into the new compressor and guess what.....another compressor bites the dust.

To properly service an A/C system you need a recovery and recharge station to contain the old refridgerant, flush the system, evactuate, add the proper oil level and recharge the system.