A/C failure after heater core repair

[Tami]

As @kmac5130 states, the AC system. I'm not sure what's typical in automotive, but I would replace the orifice and the accumulator drier for sure, and the remaining lines and the evaporator and condenser should be flushed.

https://www.partsgeek.com/cart/#:~:text=UAC A/C Compressor Kit

would this be suffice for replacement parts?

 

[Tami]

You could get a second opinion but realistically it depends on the shop. If they're reasonable they'll either fix the problem or suggest a compromise.

If they're not then I would cancel my credit card charges, report them to the better business bureau, the state board for licensed professionals, and leave honest reviews on Google and other sites.

-Mac

Hey Mac,
I just talked to the owner of the shop.
I wanted to ask you if you thought this was legit.
Does something sound fishy? I am not equipped with mechanical genius to really know for certain, just ALOT of Coincidental evidence and common sense.
So, at first the owner left me a message saying "your compressor melted and the clutch seized". Now he is saying the clutch melted.. a bunch of rubber parts. t
He said the replacement kit costs $700 but would be nice and only charge me $500.
Three hours of labor and the repair would only cost me another $1000!!!
He claims there is a shut off switch that would have protected my compressor and it's likely okay- even though he previously said it melted. He said that that the clutch is external and in no way would have been affected by anything they did during the heater core repair.
I also asked him about low coolant with the apparent leaky schrader valve that he supposedly fixed once after I complained the first time.
A pressure test was not done the second time and he claims that it wouldn't have shown anyway because it is done through the schrader valve that was leaking.
I am so unhappy right now.
He got really defensive when I said there were obvious signs of poor workmanship with my speaker wires hanging out and broken, cowl drain left hanging and clunky vent selector.
I know I have beat this subject to death but I finally have a final answer from him and he is taking absolutely no responsibility.
Obviously I will not get anywhere with him at this point but would someone else be able to look at it and see if he is lying or diagnose what happened?
Also, isn't the kit only $300 online?
Thanks!

 

[macleanflood]

I'd be reporting the shop to the state bureau of professional services, the BBB, bad Google reviews, canceling ALL of my credit card charges and filing a small claims court for damages, loss of time, loss of vehicle use and the complete replacement of your entire AC system by another shop.

At this point it could be anything and yes, a quick fix might fix it. But with the possibility of metal shards through everything if you really want this fixed then the whole system needs carte blanche replaced or really flushed well.

Any quick fix can quickly be another waste of time, parts and money.

Make sure you're documenting everything.

I wasn't able to replace the clutch on my 97...I had an original compressor and the design was superceded...long story short no part was available...but clearly listed as such.

You/they could order the clutch and find yourself in my predicament. Then what?

-Mac

 

[TJ4Jim]

Hey Mac,
I just talked to the owner of the shop.
I wanted to ask you if you thought this was legit.
Does something sound fishy? I am not equipped with mechanical genius to really know for certain, just ALOT of Coincidental evidence and common sense.
So, at first the owner left me a message saying "your compressor melted and the clutch seized". Now he is saying the clutch melted.. a bunch of rubber parts. t
He said the replacement kit costs $700 but would be nice and only charge me $500.
Three hours of labor and the repair would only cost me another $1000!!!
He claims there is a shut off switch that would have protected my compressor and it's likely okay- even though he previously said it melted. He said that that the clutch is external and in no way would have been affected by anything they did during the heater core repair.
I also asked him about low coolant with the apparent leaky schrader valve that he supposedly fixed once after I complained the first time.
A pressure test was not done the second time and he claims that it wouldn't have shown anyway because it is done through the schrader valve that was leaking.
I am so unhappy right now.
He got really defensive when I said there were obvious signs of poor workmanship with my speaker wires hanging out and broken, cowl drain left hanging and clunky vent selector.
I know I have beat this subject to death but I finally have a final answer from him and he is taking absolutely no responsibility.
Obviously I will not get anywhere with him at this point but would someone else be able to look at it and see if he is lying or diagnose what happened?
Also, isn't the kit only $300 online?
Thanks!

The oem Denso compressor is around $250 and with the other accessories (orifice tube, accumulator, flush, oil, ect) your in the $400 range for material.

 

[Peppergat]

Hey Mac,
I just talked to the owner of the shop.
I wanted to ask you if you thought this was legit.
Does something sound fishy? I am not equipped with mechanical genius to really know for certain, just ALOT of Coincidental evidence and common sense.
So, at first the owner left me a message saying "your compressor melted and the clutch seized". Now he is saying the clutch melted.. a bunch of rubber parts. t
He said the replacement kit costs $700 but would be nice and only charge me $500.
Three hours of labor and the repair would only cost me another $1000!!!
He claims there is a shut off switch that would have protected my compressor and it's likely okay- even though he previously said it melted. He said that that the clutch is external and in no way would have been affected by anything they did during the heater core repair.
I also asked him about low coolant with the apparent leaky schrader valve that he supposedly fixed once after I complained the first time.
A pressure test was not done the second time and he claims that it wouldn't have shown anyway because it is done through the schrader valve that was leaking.
I am so unhappy right now.
He got really defensive when I said there were obvious signs of poor workmanship with my speaker wires hanging out and broken, cowl drain left hanging and clunky vent selector.
I know I have beat this subject to death but I finally have a final answer from him and he is taking absolutely no responsibility.
Obviously I will not get anywhere with him at this point but would someone else be able to look at it and see if he is lying or diagnose what happened?
Also, isn't the kit only $300 online?
Thanks!

I’d cut my losses and be done with this shop. You’ll get nowhere with this dudes attitude. They clearly don’t know what they are doing nor do they care enough to make it right for you. Is there not another shop in your area that’s reputable?
I’m just saying this because personally I wouldn’t pay him another penny even if it meant I didn’t have working a/c. You can do more damage to him by telling everyone you run across what he did to you. Just my opinion.

 

[Tami]

I'd be reporting the shop to the state bureau of professional services, the BBB, bad Google reviews, canceling ALL of my credit card charges and filing a small claims court for damages, loss of time, loss of vehicle use and the complete replacement of your entire AC system by another shop.

At this point it could be anything and yes, a quick fix might fix it. But with the possibility of metal shards through everything if you really want this fixed then the whole system needs carte blanche replaced or really flushed well.

Any quick fix can quickly be another waste of time, parts and money.

Make sure you're documenting everything.

I wasn't able to replace the clutch on my 97...I had an original compressor and the design was superceded...long story short no part was available...but clearly listed as such.

You/they could order the clutch and find yourself in my predicament. Then what?

-Mac

So even if it was just the clutch, you hold the shop responsible? If so why?

 

[macleanflood]

So even if it was just the clutch, you hold the shop responsible? If so why?

Because everything worked until they touched it.

And they half assed your repair, were careless in how they treated your AC system and other details you mentioned.

Then the shop delayed prompt remediation, and offered solutions they marked up with obscene prices.

I'd be totally down for you paying for a clutch and them eating the labor if the price they quoted you was reasonable... couple hundred... something sane.

But what they're quoting you is way past that...

-Mac

 

[Tami]

Because everything worked until they touched it.

And they half assed your repair, were careless in how they treated your AC system and other details you mentioned.

Then the shop delayed prompt remediation, and offered solutions they marked up with obscene prices.

I'd be totally down for you paying for a clutch and them eating the labor if the price they quoted you was reasonable... couple hundred... something sane.

But what they're quoting you is way past that...

-Mac

Yeah. I made it clear I wasn’t happy and pointed out the shotty workmanship. He had excuses for all of it telling me it was like that… wires coming out all over under the dash.. broken speaker wire… cowl drain just left hanging.
I’m taking the jeep to meineke to have them do a free inspection on Wednesday. Hope they can be straight with me.
Also he said the AC kit for my jeep was $700 I asked what brand and he mentioned Murray. I google that and find a kit for $270.
This makes me want to learn mechanics.
You’ve been a great help in sorting this out.
Shout out to all of you who have chimed in to lessen the pain of the ankle treatment.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

This makes me want to learn mechanics.

It's how I got started at 17. I had a wheel shaking due to a worn out tie rod end, got quoted $500 for a new one plus the front brakes that were almost down to metal. I went to AutoZone and spent $80 on the rod end, pads and new rotors. A year later I was doing struts and fwd axle shafts and 2 years later I was rebuilding an engine and doing a transmission swap.

Turning 41 on Thursday and I can count on a 3-fingered hand the times I've paid for mechanic work. 2 of them were regearing axles and if I ever need that again I'll do it myself.