Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Metal in the Orifice Tube Filter Screen

Okay, I need some advice...

The other day my car started shaking and squeeking really bad (97 Mercury Mystique Zetec ATX) and I popped the hood. Some of the belt flew up at me and there was a nice set of belt shavings on the underside of the hood (Not good!)...

I got back in it and thought I will take it to the garage and have a look-see (Please let it be the Alternater...) on the way the A/C died... ARGH! Compressor!

Not being brave enough to tackle an A/C problem I took it to a mechanic that is fairly good. They say it is the A/C compressor (it's wobbling) and I will need an Orifice tube, A/C compressor, and a filter dryer / accumulator. I choke down the $750 quote and say go ahead.

I pick up the car on Friday last week. The A/C does not seem as cold as it used to, but I figure I'll drive it a bit because it was one freaking hot weekend (almost 100 degrees here in sunny FLA) and maybe I'm over sensative.

On Monday (Memorial Day - God Bless our Troops!) The A/C is completly gone. Today I took it back to the shop and they say there is metal in the filter screen! They flushed it twice and air cleaned out the hoses and still there is metal collecting. The mechanic says I need a new Condensor becuase metal is probably stuck in that thing and more will collect on the filter clogging the whole thing up again.

So, now that I have bored you with my story (thanks for hanging on so far) any thoughts? Anyone had a compressor blow up on them? The mechanic mentioned something called 'Ford black death' that used to happen to pre 92's. Ford's apparently have a problem when / if the A/C compressor blows up.

Anyone ever heard of this? Is this guy giving me BS? Should I just ride it out as long as I can? Its getting really hot in FL, and my wallet is really lite already...

He sounds like he's not BS-ing you. According to Motor Magazines a/c article, 4/04:
"Todays condensors have such small flow paths they're virtual traps for a lot of debris. You need only replace a restricted condensor to restore a/c performance, not return a replacement compressor that isn't the problem. Furthermore most aftermarket a/c specialists have learned to protect themselves, typically by flushing where appropriate and installing suction side screens at the compressor inlet and liquid line filters".
It might cost you more initially but you are getting steps that should make for a good a/c performance and a through job.

Thanx for the information. I am waiting for a quote for the condenser. I am running it right now with the original, but worried about how long it will last.