As for the TXV, this wouldn't be the first time I've heard about a "new" TXV malfunctioning. Causes include loss of gas in the sensing bulb. - good point. I’ve been burned by “new” parts more often than I like. I have the old TXV and may bench test it for an idea if it was working or not....

I believe the compressor in your vehicle is the scroll type, which isn't renowned for reliability and longevity. Was the compressor that you installed a rebuilt, new aftermarket, or new OEM? I would replace a scroll compressor with a new OEM unit, if possible. The compressor could cause the low-side...

When I removed the old evap and TXV the TXV valve body had a molded flexible rubber encapsulating it, and the sensing bulb had foam tape and and some other gooey adhesive along with the metal C clip. I reused the molded rubber piece on the TXV valve body, and used adhesive backed 1/8” neoprene foam...

I charge with a 30lb cylinder, and a refrigerant scale. I have a vacuum pump, which for my temp/altitude pulled 27.5”. Vacuumed for an hour. Sounds like you're evacuating and charging it correctly. The second thin line coming off the TXV is either an equalizer tube or an oil return line and not a r...

Got the evap out, which was relatively painless. About 20 min to have the case on my workbench. New Evap and Exp Valve installed. Very good. I've spent the better part of a day removing evaporators from some vehicles. I didn’t add any oil to the Evap, as pointed out I didn’t compensate for that on ...

In Phoenix, you won't have to wait long before the weather warms up

It does sound to me like the compressor is "slugging" every now and then, which might be causing the drive belt to come off. As suggested earlier, check the routing of the suction hose for any dips and bends where liquid refrigerant and/or oil could accumulate and be drawn back suddenly an...

A few observations: It sounds like the system had a leak when your uncle owned it. Even after two rounds of repairs and component replacements, the system still quit after a short time. Since it spent a considerable time in the Dakotas, it's possible that one or more of the metal refrigerant lines c...

Since it worked so well and for so many years in the Mustang GT, you might even consider reinstalling the original GT condenser in the coupe as long as it appears to be in good shape and isn't corroded or leaking. If you do reinstall it, be sure to thoroughly flush it through, ensuring you evaporate...

It would be a good idea to have the exact A/C specs for this excavator on hand. In searching for the machine's service manual online, I noticed that several vendors have them available for as little as $20 U.S. Money well spent, I think.