A/C repair

2002 HONDA CRV
120,000 MILES
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BRIANSTHOMAS
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i bought this vehicle knowing the AC was bad with the plan to resell the car. it had a AC compressor that was seized with a hole in the side of it. i bought a new AC kit that included the condenser and expansion valve. My question is, must i absolutely replace the expansion valve as it is behind the glove box and very difficult to get to? I am wondering if i can flush it both ways and leave the old expansion valve the system?
Dec 14, 2019 at 9:32 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

Yes, iIt is suggested to replace the expansion valve considering there is an open (hole in the compressor) that will be allowing moisture into the system. Moisture ruins components in a otherwise sealed system.If you want I would be happy to provide you with step-by-step instructions for its replacement.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Dec 14, 2019 at 7:11 PM
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BRIANSTHOMAS
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i used some lacquer thinner with a high psi flush device and i felt comfortable that i cleaned the evaporator and the expansion valve. they were fairly clean to start with as initially i blew them out without any solvent. Then i flushed them 4 times both ways. so hopefully i am okay.it would have added several hours or more to the job to get at the expansion valve under the dash.
Dec 14, 2019 at 8:33 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

Okay, hope things work out. Just be sure to vacuum the system to get rid of any moisture and also to see if it holds a vacuum so there are no leaks in the system from the repair.Keep us updated.Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Dec 14, 2019 at 10:28 PM
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BRIANSTHOMAS
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i understand i need to vacuum the system. but i have a question, what keeps the vacuum from sucking out the 4.5 oz of oil i put in the system?
Dec 15, 2019 at 7:51 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

The oil is more a solid than a gas.. You will lose hardly any.You will know immediately if the system doesn't hold a vacuum. After 10 minutes of holding a vacuum you will know there isn't a leak.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Dec 15, 2019 at 9:22 PM