Forum Discussion

RodHatter's avatar
RodHatter
Explorer
Sep 23, 2014

Vortec Air conditioning problems?

Anyone know of any problems with the Vehicle Air Conditioning compressors.
I just bought a 1999 and the only thing so far I can find wrong with it is the Air. Found a shop to work on it here in Fresno and they are telling me the most common problem with the Vortex Air is the compressors. They have an O-ring that goes out in the middle of the compressor and the compressor has to be replaced! 800.00.
If anyone else has had the problem or knows of this problem let me know .
Seems strange to me that he could tell me this is a Big problem with the Vortex compressors then pulls the cover and without running any test calls me over and tells me its the compressor and its shot. No vacuum test just a visual?
Seems like somethings not right
Whats your take?
Thanks
Class A
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Oct 01, 2014
    RodHatter wrote:
    MountainAir05
    If the Air is set to max its recirculated right?
    Thats where I ran it for about 10 miles to the house.
    Ill check it again and see if I can get an actual temp.



    That is what I used and ensure the fan is set at high. and around 1800 rpms at lease. Moving is even better.

    Having sealants put in can a lot of issues, (opening a can of worms here). That said, if you are only keeping for short time, and the cost of a new coil is close to $1000, then that the customer choice. I have a different set of gauges for those units. Sometimes very hard to flush out and get it all. The exp block and evap have some very small orifices but the block is not too pricey. Also check the heater control valve, when hot. Hot on engine side and cold Coil side.

    If you can get a outside, inside temp then the output in the center vent.
  • RodHatter's avatar
    RodHatter
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2014
    MountainAir05
    If the Air is set to max its recirculated right?
    Thats where I ran it for about 10 miles to the house.
    Ill check it again and see if I can get an actual temp.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Oct 01, 2014
    I want to see 30/40 degrees output. That all depends on temp outside and the temp of the air inside the vehicle. The humidity is a very large factor also. Another factor is if they charge it by weigh (lbs and oz) or by pressure on the gauge.
  • RodHatter's avatar
    RodHatter
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2014
    Just got my RV back it was the compressor. Had a leak right in the middle of the compressor.
    Shop found a replacement one piece that they liked.
    750.00 with a flush of the system since prior owner has used several freons with a dye in them checking for leaks. They also changed out the dryer.
    The only ??Question I have since it never worked since I bought the RV is it doesnt seem to cool very well? My Chevy truck (1/2ton) cools a lot better coming out of the Vents. Seems like with a new compressor and all it would be better now than ever?
    Thanks for the help!
  • RodHatter's avatar
    RodHatter
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2014
    Thanks all I can use this information thursday when I go back in..
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2014
    Yes, that compressor is a known issue in the automotive repair business. The last one I worked on was a 97 P32 Bounder. Pressurize the system and brush or spray a little liquid soap on the center split of the compressor. There is a better replacement compressor with out the center split. I found one at O'reilly Auto Parts. $800 for compressor, receiver dryer, refrigerant and labor is in the ball park but I would make the mechanic prove the issue, not just work from past history.

    Richard
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2014
    neighbor has one 98 and it still going. I am the one who does the service on it and have not seen this.

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