A/C Blew up, see the pic

Russell · 05-12-2020, 03:22 PM

So last week wife and I +2 dogs drove up to Sonoma County, half way up we heard a loud bang, I thought I had run over something, she was in panic mode, WE'RE ON FIRE !!! PULL OVER !!! So I got to the next exit and found coolant inside the motor compartment. could not see anything wrong, temp etc. was good, so back on the road we go. I had concluded the A/C has the problem from process of elimination and since there was no longer cold air blowing.
Today got a call from the mechanic, I had to see it for myself. I can't imagine what caused this, but i'm no expert. He quoted me $3000.00, new compressor, dryer, a few other things plus labor. That hurts, I just had him replace the water pump before we left. Seems odd with only 25,500 miles on it. Anyone have a similar experience?

CGgonzo12 · 05-12-2020, 03:38 PM

Whoa, thats a pretty decent looking hole. Good looking rig though. At least it was only the AC compressor. Ive seen engine blocks with holes like that in the side

Youngster · 05-12-2020, 05:38 PM

Similar but no holes!
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...omb-22281.html

Grampswrx · 05-12-2020, 05:44 PM

What year is the van? It may have low miles, but based on your front end, its 12 years old at least.

mgmetalworks · 05-12-2020, 06:00 PM

Could be too little oil in the system caused this. Along with refrigerant, there is also PAG oil that's supposed to be added in. Vans with rear A/C have 16 fluid oz according to the service manual (8 Fl oz for vans without rear A/C).

Russell · 05-12-2020, 07:50 PM

It's a 2003 7.3 E350 EB 4X4

Russell · 05-12-2020, 07:53 PM

SMB converted the rear AC to their system, I wonder if they overloaded the system. I really need to follow up on what they did. I'm very suspicious.

arctictraveller · 05-12-2020, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

Could be too little oil in the system caused this. Along with refrigerant, there is also PAG oil that's supposed to be added in. Vans with rear A/C have 16 fluid oz according to the service manual (8 Fl oz for vans without rear A/C).

That was my first thought too.

simplesez · 05-13-2020, 06:37 AM

I spent about $300 to replace my A/C compressor, condenser, and dryer. Not sure where $3000 comes from unless they are replacing a/c lines throughout the van or taking the entire dash apart.

**BroncoHauler** · 05-13-2020, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

SMB converted the rear AC to their system, I wonder if they overloaded the system. I really need to follow up on what they did. I'm very suspicious.

When was the AC work/conversion done, because with a 2003 vehicle with 25,000 miles on it, it seems a stretch to lay that on SMB's doorstep. It seems a lot of time has passed since the conversion, unless there was a recent AC service performed that you haven't mentioned.

Herb