Close-up of a spring-lock A/C line coupling and metal tube

This orifice tube is blue (with black residue on most of it), indicating it's for R-12. Note the fine metal shavings on the filter screen, indicating 1) that the compressor has failed, & 2) that there are more shavings between the compressor & evaporator: in the high-side line, in the condenser, & in the condenser-to-evaporator line. The lines must be flushed to remove these filings so that the new compressor isn't damaged. But Ford says flushing the condenser is INeffective at removing the filings from it, so a new condenser is required.

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The reason this compressor failed was probably because of overcharging. I removed 3 lbs 4 oz from this system, which is 8 oz (1/2 lb) too much. This probably resulted in liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, causing it to hydraulic, which would explain the shavings.

Owner caption November 2009 · Photo 50 of 434