Somebody backed into my '09 Ford Escape Monday leaving my Limited Edition chrome plastic trim on the ground at a Home Depot parking lot!
The chrome plastic piece is cracked, the large facia piece is roughed up a bit, not sure if that's getting replaced but the bottom edge of the condenser has minimal damage but no apparent leaks. The Ford dealer is going to replace the condenser. I'll bet that it was a truck trailer hitch that got in that far.
IIRC, since PAG oil absorbs moisture so easily the accumulator/dryer should be replaced any time the system is opened, correct? I've read also that POE oil is just as bad, is that true or one worse than the other.
I've marked the accumulator/dryer to see if they change it. Waiting on a callback from the dealer as they need the insurance company's okay before ordering parts.
Rather than laying a trap, why don't you just ask the dealer if they'll be replacing it?
To open the system to change the condenser, the dealer may or may not change the accumulator... If it was an insurance job they will not pay for it.. But it's not a big deal unless the system has been open for an extended period of time..Hope this helps..
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Chick
Email: Chick
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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose
Thanks! I might ask them if they are going to replace it when they call back.
I've read here about here PAG oil being hydroscopic but not so much about POE oil. Toying with one of two dehumidifiers that use R-410A and POE oil. They rant about it being hydroscopic, use only metal cans and tightened the cap which has a rubber seal. POE oil I got from ACkits or that you see in any auto parts store is in a plastic bottle!
I've never tried this but brake fluid is highly hydroscopic as well but they claim if you fill a bottle cap to the brim with the fluid and leave it outside, it will overflow the cap.
Don't lose sleep over the accumulator, no insurance company pays for it unless you really gripe and have a valid reason, like it was open for a month waiting for them to adjust it etc.. In 95% of cases, like yours, the accumulator would be fine.. You could always pay for a new one yourself, but it's not necessary under your circumstance.. It "IS" always a good idea to change it, but your system isn't going to self detruct because you didn't... Hope this helps..
Oh, the "Most" important thing in your case is that the shop/dealer vacuums and charges the system correctly.. you don't want any air in the system...That's where the trouble begins...
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Chick
Email: Chick
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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose
I don't have my book with me, (from UTI in 1998) but I'm pretty sure it said in 15 minutes of being exposed to the air, the oil can absorb moisture. I know for sure this was referring to PAG oil and the oil used in R-12 systems. I'm NOT sure about POE, but I would assume it was the same. At any rate, when oil absorbs too much moisture, the moisture reacts with the oil and turns it into an acid. This in turn can slowly eat out your A/C system. Sure, it will probably operate fine for a long time, but the point is that the life of the A/C system will be shortened. If you're going to keep the car for a long time, spend the money on the drier. That's my opinion/advice.
Just read that POE does absorb moisture but not as bad as PAG oil.
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