compressor went poof - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

toddyvol · #1 04-02-2010, 09:08 PM

I recharged my a/c with 2 1/2 cans of enviro-safe. The Gauge temp was well below the red overfill on the pressure gauge I used.

When I started I had 65 degrees at the vent.

After charge it was about 45.

I took the car for a short test drive and suddenly I hear a sudden rupturing hissing sound. Instantly I smell the pine scent that envirosafe puts in the coolant to help detect leaks. I immediately turned of the CC and pulled over.

Upon inspection, all of the coolant exited around the compressor area. I wasn't able to get a very good idea of actually where on the compressor.

Is it likely the compressor bit the dust causing the evacuation?

Or is possible an O-ring failed permitting the massive leak?

layback40 · #2 04-02-2010, 09:32 PM

Could even be a burst hose.
You should be able to provide a more accurate description where the charge was leaking from. front or back?

leathermang · #3 04-02-2010, 09:33 PM

This is tempting but I am going to pass...
others will know what the joke is....
A softball if ever I saw one... and I am going to take a ' walk ' ... LOL

Matt L · #4 04-02-2010, 09:38 PM

I assume that this "red overfill" was on a low-side gauge. I'm also going to assume that you didn't do an evacuation of the system before the charge. You could have air in the system which can cause extremely high head pressure.

Add to this the assumption that you did not change the pressure switch to the new and mandated binary switch, which means that your compressor won't shut off when you reach dangerous pressures.

toddyvol · #5 04-02-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

I assume that this "red overfill" was on a low-side gauge. I'm also going to assume that you didn't do an evacuation of the system before the charge. You could have air in the system which can cause extremely high head pressure.

Add to this the assumption that you did not change the pressure switch to the new and mandated binary switch, which means that your compressor won't shut off when you reach dangerous pressures.

Yes the low side and I did not evacuate before the charge.

toddyvol · #6 04-02-2010, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

Could even be a burst hose.
You should be able to provide a more accurate description where the charge was leaking from. front or back?

Looked to be on the actual compressor. The compressor was completely saturated.

I probably had no business messing with the A/C system.

I will say the compressor seemed to operated perfectly before the melt down.

I also had a fuel leak around the primer pump that I fixed. Is it possible that fuel could have leaked on a line causing it to weaken?

Also I'll inspect further so I can give a better description. Sorry for being so vague.

bobodaclown · #7 04-02-2010, 11:10 PM

what no explosion using enviro-safe. Yeah, I'm going there.

Matt L · #8 04-02-2010, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobodaclown

what no explosion using enviro-safe. Yeah, I'm going there.

The explosion danger is if it leaks from the evaporator into the interior of the car.

JimmyL · #9 04-03-2010, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

This is tempting but I am going to pass...
others will know what the joke is....
A softball if ever I saw one... and I am going to take a ' walk ' ... LOL

It was teed up for you big boy!

You did the right thing. Low hanging fruit.......

I will also fade into the back drop.

toddyvol · #10 04-03-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobodaclown

what no explosion using enviro-safe. Yeah, I'm going there.

The RV has propane and ammonia as refrigerants. It hasn't launched to the moon yet.

Matt L · #11 04-03-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddyvol

The RV has propane and ammonia as refrigerants. It hasn't launched to the moon yet.

I think you mean ammonia and water, powered by propane.

bobodaclown · #12 04-03-2010, 09:34 AM

Seriously, Sounds like you overfilled and blew out a seal. What was the condition before you filled it.
Was the system working previously? How long was it inop? Were you in the mind of everything's there, lets adds some refrigerant and see what happens? Did you pull a vac on the system check for leaks?

The refrigeration system is charged in the same manner as with the refrigerant being replaced using approximately the same pressure levels. (Note: ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a, ES-22a & ES-502a pressure on the high side may run up to 15 psi lower than what your high side pressure normally is. The low side pressure should be approximately the same as your low side pressure at any given ambient temp.) For those who install by weight, the equivalency ratios are: [.33 lb. of ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a is equivalent to 1 lb. of R-12] [.38 lb. of ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a is equivalent to 1 lb. or R-134a] [.41 lb. of ES-22a is equivalent to 1 lb. of R-22] [.40 lb. of ES-502a is equivalent to 1 lb. of R-502] ENVIRO-SAFE is completely compatible with synthetic, pag or organic oils in all systems. No flushing or oil changes are required. The only difference in charging is that ENVIRO-SAFE is installed as a liquid.

If you installed 2 1/2 cans, That would be like installing 6 cans of 134.

OOPS!

Matt L · #13 04-03-2010, 09:44 AM

Pulling a vacuum isn't how you check for leaks, but if you read, no he did not evacuate the system.

toddyvol · #14 04-03-2010, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobodaclown

Seriously, Sounds like you overfilled and blew out a seal. What was the condition before you filled it.
Was the system working previously? How long was it inop? Were you in the mind of everything's there, lets adds some refrigerant and see what happens? Did you pull a vac on the system check for leaks?

The refrigeration system is charged in the same manner as with the refrigerant being replaced using approximately the same pressure levels. (Note: ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a, ES-22a & ES-502a pressure on the high side may run up to 15 psi lower than what your high side pressure normally is. The low side pressure should be approximately the same as your low side pressure at any given ambient temp.) For those who install by weight, the equivalency ratios are: [.33 lb. of ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a is equivalent to 1 lb. of R-12] [.38 lb. of ENVIRO-SAFE ES-12a is equivalent to 1 lb. or R-134a] [.41 lb. of ES-22a is equivalent to 1 lb. of R-22] [.40 lb. of ES-502a is equivalent to 1 lb. of R-502] ENVIRO-SAFE is completely compatible with synthetic, pag or organic oils in all systems. No flushing or oil changes are required. The only difference in charging is that ENVIRO-SAFE is installed as a liquid.

If you installed 2 1/2 cans, That would be like installing 6 cans of 134.

OOPS!

The system was operable but wasn't very cold, just slightly cool. I watched the gauge very closely that I bought from enviro-safe and never reach anything critical. Matter of fact it seemed to be undercharged slightly. Obviously not.

I guess I better plan on buying a vacuum so I can do it properly.

I will probably buy new dryer ,O-Ring Seal Kit, and expansion valve and hope the compressor is still okay. I'll replace all of that and see if I can hold a vacuum.

Anything I'm missing?

As a side note....the pine scent they put it the refrigerant sure smells nice. My car and garage smells like Christmas.

leathermang · #15 04-03-2010, 10:22 AM

You are " lucky"... you are not in one of the eighteen states that bans hydrocarbons in moving AC systems..

http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/alternative/current/6454.html