Ball Bearings in Low Side of 134a AC system

[deandec]

So, Have had recent problems with our Dash AC system.

The back would cool.

The cab area would not.

I suspected the front expansion valve and removed it.

In the high side hose leading to that valve, is a pack of ball bearings that cannot be dislodged with 125 Psi air or a tiny screw driver.

This ac line is about 40 feet long.

Anyone have experience with flushing this type of problem?

[deandec]

Sorry, Title line is wrong. Bearings wedged into the high side line.

[38Chevy454]

A/C high side pressures can be 300 psi or slightly more on a good hot day. So assuming that pressure is what wedged the bearings in the line, it may take similar to that to dislodge them.

It might be new line replacement time. You might just go to a local shop that makes up hydraulic and A/C lines, bring your old one for them to make a new replacement. Probably less cost than getting one from the dealer. Probably faster as well.

They also might be able to just splice the line and just replace the plugged section. Just bring it to them and talk to the guy at the counter, they will know what they can and can't do.

[Spk64]

Curious.....
Did a compressor fail to get the ball bearings in the line?

[deandec]

Originally Posted by 38Chevy454

It might be new line replacement time. You might just go to a local shop that makes up hydraulic and A/C lines, bring your old one for them to make a new replacement. Probably less cost than getting one from the dealer. Probably faster as well.

They also might be able to just splice the line and just replace the plugged section. Just bring it to them and talk to the guy at the counter, they will know what they can and can't do.

Unfortunately the Manufacturer is out of business and there are no Dealers.

I would really like to avoid dismounting 36 feet of high pressure line running from the front to the back of the DP and then another 8 feet also up into the bedroom area for the rear air.

Having to thread a new line back along that route...yikes!!! :



I have found a splice kit for AC lines which I will try to use to repair the cut I make to the AC line and hopefully then remove the impacted stuff.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by Spk64

Curious.....
Did a compressor fail to get the ball bearings in the line?

It would appear so. I have yet to test the Compressor.

[lllkrob]

I doubt it's ball bearings, just no way for them to get into the system. What I suspect you have is a disintegrated receiver-dryer and the desiccant beads are packed up in the system. This is not going to be easy to fix. If disconnecting the lines at both ends and blowing them out with compressed air won't work and they cannot be dislodged buy ramming something down the tube then the only thing left is to cut out the bad section and splice in a new section. This requires special fittings and crimping tools.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by lllkrob

I doubt it's ball bearings, just no way for them to get into the system. What I suspect you have is a disintegrated receiver-dryer and the desiccant beads are packed up in the system. This is not going to be easy to fix. If disconnecting the lines at both ends and blowing them out with compressed air won't work and they cannot be dislodged buy ramming something down the tube then the only thing left is to cut out the bad section and splice in a new section. This requires special fittings and crimping tools.

Thank you. Good information that is very helpful to this amateur.

I have now removed both dryers, both expansion valves, and the compressor.

I will try with 150 psi air pressure to move the beads (desiccant) out of the high pressure line. Then I will flush all the lines and condensers.

I have purchased the following splicer in case I need to cut the line to clean it. (How much desiccant is in a dryer?)

The line is a straight connect so no elbow to deal with.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o00_s00

Just another educational day....

[TQ60]

Things to think about...

From the easy end place hose to allow something to pour in.

Get some pag oil or other compatible stuff to pour in so it can soak.

Get a fiberglass fish tape or wire pull and remove the brass end then sand the end round and smooth to allow it to be pushed up the hose from other end and maybe tap them loose.

Suspect material from dryer got loose so try to catch it to identify it.

You may need to flush everything out...good luck!

[38Chevy454]

You just replace the drier. It has the dessicant inside. Since your system is now open, it would be advised to flush the lines to help ensure they are clear. Once system is reassembled, pull a vacuum for about 1 hour at least, the system should keep vacuum level once you turn off the pump. Since you have cold air on the back A/C, your compressor is working. But the front could not work since the refrigerant could not get through the plugged line.

[Johndale]

If it a flex hose I found this good price.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Universal-A-C-...588?nav=SEARCH


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[PushedAround]

You mentioned "both" dryers. Where were they located? Just before each expansion valve?

[deandec]

Originally Posted by Johndale

If it a flex hose I found this good price.
Universal A C Hose Kit Aeroquip Eaton Fittings Hose EZ Clip Parts R 134a | eBay


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That is a good price. Hopefully I will not need all new lines.

[deandec]

Originally Posted by PushedAround

You mentioned "both" dryers. Where were they located? Just before each expansion valve?

One for both evaporators next to the engine and close to the Condensers.

One for the rear evaporator in the bedroom cabinet just before that expansion valve.

The system is very similar to the diagram on page 16 of this very good manual on auto AC systems.

http://www.ariazone.com/manuals/Auto...g%20Manual.pdf

I weighed both dryers. They are identical in nomenclature and weight at this time.