Damages caused by failed A/C compressor

[JohnHere]

Since the temperature of the air coming out of the vents was 73F, I took the car to the dealer, thinking that there might be a refrigerant leak. After checking the AC system, they told me that there were no leaks and they made the following two statements in writing:
Quote
Cause: not building proper pressure and freezing up AC lines
Unquote
Quote
Found to have contamination in the system due to failing compressor
Unquote

Thanks for that.

The first statement could be caused by a low charge due to leakage, so I think you might have been correct in your original assessment. A 2003 model-year Civic (19 years old) could well have developed a leak or leaks anywhere—including in the original compressor—due to its age. As far as you know, was the system ever evaluated and/or recharged during the intervening years? Do you live in an area where chemicals are used to melt ice and snow in the wintertime?

As to the second statement, I wonder how they know the system is contaminated (by compressor debris) because the 1-1/2 year-old compressor has apparently not disintegrated internally. Their statement seems to suggest that they flushed one or more components and saw debris coming out, but I would guess that they didn't do so.

Presuming that the dealer installed the correct amount of oil and refrigerant on replacing the original compressor with a new unit, and the system then failed to cool 1-1/2 years later, I'm inclined to think that most of the refrigerant escaped due to a leak. Do you recall noticing a slow degradation of A/C performance over time?

Where to go from here? If you have a specialty MVAC shop with the appropriate certifications in your locale that could take a look at it, I would bring the car to them—as two consultants on this Forum suggested earlier—for another evaluation and opinion.

[Charles5654]

Tim, John, thanks.

Per your recommendation, I will seek a second opinion.

[JohnHere]

Definitely come back on and let us know the results.

[v10 5sfe APQ]

I had my mechanic diagnose my a/c (this vehicle is a ford e350 v10 van). Burst hose caused by compressor failure. He says replace those items, we agreed to replace condenser, broken lines, and flush the rest (has 2 evaporators).

However, there are long a/c lines going to the rear. My point is I am not sure a flush would be as complete as just replacing all of the components. completely replacing all hoses and possibly even evaporators. I found a source for new flexible lines for the rear evaporator (lines run from the engine bay up front to the rear by the back bumper, haha diagonally the longest distance from the compressor possible from the van unless the evap was on the roof). Anyway parts found in stock for everything.

I would rather replace all components and not have to flush, not trusting the flush would get out stuff especially in those long rear lines. I recently acquired the vehicle and plan on keeping it for many uses long term. Wouldn't replacing all the components be better for safety after compressor failure than just replacing SOME components and attempting to flush clean the rest of them?

[JohnHere]

I had my mechanic diagnose my a/c (this vehicle is a ford e350 v10 van). Burst hose caused by compressor failure. He says replace those items, we agreed to replace condenser, broken lines, and flush the rest (has 2 evaporators). ... .

For the best responses, I suggest starting a new topic for your Ford E350 Van instead of piggy-backing onto the original topic, which is more than 1-1/2 years old.