Well when word gets out that a certain mechanic knows how to work on extremely niche cars people who own them will climb mountains and scale buildings to get their car to said mechanic because no one else could make heads or tails of it!
So refreshing seeing older well maintained cars, it really shows pride of ownership vs the typical lazy jaded vehicle owners who don't appreciate their cars & it shows.
@@vinniecorleone62 Can't maintain a car without money. Plenty of people out there who NEED a car and can just about afford to buy and run it, but don't have the spare cash for regular preventive maintenance.
@@dunebasher1971 If one can't afford the basic maintenance cost, gas & insurance for a vehicle perhaps they shouldn't have one. I had to rely on public transportation many times between vehicles or when a transmission wasn't working, it's just basic economics & life.
I was in Kansas for a few months about a decade ago. The roads are so flat and open, you can go like a mad bastard. They had to put 100mph speed limiters on the rental cars. That was the place to go fast.
Lincoln actually got it's inspiration for its grille from Rolls Royce. When making the Lincoln Mark III in the late 1960s, Henry Ford II said he wanted to put a Rolls Royce grille on a Thunderbird.
I had a really great MB tech and when my AC failed, he told me exactly the same thing and to get rid of the car, for that and other reasons. I asked him what I should buy and he said a Lexus LS400. That was back in 2001. It's still perfect and my daily driver. I remember driving past his shop on another day and noticed a RR. We then spent some time together under the car with him pointing out to me many of what he viewed as serious design and construction flaws producing poor reliability.
Imagine The Wizard working on Corbin Goodwins Rolls. Would be interesting to see his initial reaction. And that Bendpak lift is really getting put through its paces with all these land barges.
Hello to my fav mechanic as a certified licensed A/C technician for over 33 years you are 100% on the a/c change out. Don't forget to mention multiple evap systems will be even more expensive. You did a great job explaining why. If it's a leak from a hose or main seal compressor bearing sometimes only a compressor and drier . Thank you have helped so many with your videos 🧙♂️👍🚗
Hi Car Wizard, I thought this was one of your best video and I'll explain why. I'm a home mechanic and normally do all my own servicing and repairs but I've never worked on an AC system, so when you said "you have to replace the system" I was in my mind questioning why - well you answered that really well showing all the fragmented metal particles that would be everywhere in the whole system. Thanks for sharing that info with us. Cheers Dave ( a Jaguar-owning Brit living in France)
Like the wizard has time for that. He barely has time to shoot these videos, never mind teardowns. My question is, what if he takes off a seized compressor and can find no evidence of shavings or other internal failures. Does it still necessitate replacing all components? I'd be hard pressed to replace everything if I couldn't see evidence of metal shavings in the oil.
"Do you know anyone that refused to follow a mechanic's advice and 'fixed' their car the wrong way to only fix it the proper way later?" Pretty much every one of our friends. Sure, I can throw a temporary fiberglass or epoxy steel putty fix on their radiator to get them back going for the short term. This under the agreement they order a new radiator so it doesn't blow out again. Do they get one though? No, never. Usually find this out months later as they're calling for a ride back into town because their car is stranded on the side of the road with.... you guessed it. An overheated engine from a blown radiator. VT247
You are a million % right on the money, they never listen and never come back until the band aid falls off, usually catastrophic failure when they return.
AC, like timing belt, you should replace everything. I once made the mistake of only replacing the timing belt on my Suby but didn’t replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time. 12 months later the tensioner broke. Learned my lesson. Unfortunately less than honest mechanics will just replace one part, even when they know you need to replace multiple parts, because They can get you to come back in and charge you again
Had the AC system replaced on her indoors Mazda Tribute a couple of years ago (the compressor wasn't locked up, but just stuffed) & the first thing our trusted mechanic said "you will have to replace all the components" for the very reason the Wizard stated. We took his advise & system has been working perfectly since being refurbished. Pays to listen.
Yes it is , in european cars :) And there is anoter thing - aa cluch in the compressor's axel. It breaks before the compressor is seased up, and there is no shavings in the system at all.
Not all AC compressors are the same... Some are with clutch , other without. I had clutchless compressor on mine phaeton. It has two different protections from catastrophic lock. My point is Wizard way of changing everything is not right in all cases. And I don't believe him since he put 15w50 engine oil in the Lamborghini.
@@alexandermartincausey7333 Well RR was on shaking grounds in the 80s and 90s. Most people aren't aware they use GM Turbo 400 trans since the 60s, Delco HVAC in the 80s and DELCO stereo too. They were wanting to lower cost more and was going to use the Cadillac NORTHSTAR V8. This Gen of this RR isn't my favorite because the trendy BIG SQUARE headlights. The car looks to genetic. As in the case of the Lincoln comment. Lincoln was trying to copy RR in the 70s and 80s. Believe it not in National Geographic has ad where a Ford Granada was trying to compete with a RR! 😂
I learned why you have to replace the entire ac system. Had the same failure on my car last summer and told to get a warranty, I had to replace the entire system. You showed why. Thanks
At just 21 seconds into this video, as the 1994 Rolls Royce Silver Spur lll turns towards the car ramps, well it looks huge, and indeed very heavy.....And yet in fact the 1994 / 1995 Silver Spur, is almost exactly the same length and width as for example. A 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham Sedan. I suppose that’s where the similarity ends, as the Silver Spur weighs in at 5,446 pounds. That’s heavy, heavier than a 1974 Lincoln Continental mark IV, the Continental’s weight was 5,366 pounds.
In the dude’s defense a lot of dealerships and mechanics are crooks (like with any profession) But if you go to a dude that has a shop that size, the customers he has, and a TH-cam channel you know he’s legit. Never seen any pro in any field grow large and have a great clientele screwing people.
Thanks car Wizard for this Particular video, I'm sure just about everybody must be under the same illusion that you only have replace the compressor, thanks for showing us WHY we need to replace the whole system.
I bet Jenny gets out the whips & chains at night, tells Wizard to jump & he asks how high... The thing about a teacher is they'll make you do it again & again until you get it right
This reminds me when three years ago on my Father's 98 fiat tempra the timing belt tensioner bearing had seized so badly that the belt was literally rubbing on the pulley to the point of resurfacing the backside of the belt and creating cracks all over the belt. Suffice to say, that was a hell of a bullet that he dodged.
I love it when customers argue with me. My go-to line is, "if you know how to do it better, why'd you bring it here?", followed by, "when the next guy tells you the same thing, tell him he's wrong too".😂
Thanks wizard for all the helpful insight you always give on cars. To be honest I probably would be one complaining about you wanting to replace my whole ac system when it only needs a compressor but now I get it why you have too and why it makes sense to.
Residential HVAC/R tech here, On residential systems you would at least install a suction line filter /. dryer, they make special HH type that are for acidic type of electrical burnouts so to save the new compressor, my self I would replace the lineset or hoses the accumulator and metering device and filter dryers etc, the particulates will float around and there are no suction line filters for cars that I know of?
Hey Car Wizard, years ago I replaced just the compressor in my (junk) Pontiac G5 with one from a Cavalier. It worked fine for the next year I owned the car.
Yeah, it really depends of what was the failure. On my 2008 Mazda 3, I replaced the compressor from another 3 and it worked fine, because it was the electro-magnetic clutch that has failed, and not the compressor itself.
Interesting video. Our home heat pump heating and cooling compressor has failed twice in the 20 years we have lived in our home and both times the HVAC service tech said we had to replace most of the system not just the compressor. I never really understood exactly why this was . I trusted our tech and did as he said. Now I know just what he was talking about.
While working as Asst. Service Mgr. at multi line Foreign car dealership , an XJ6 was purchased by local Dr. of considerable means (hospital was named for his family) . At first service , valve adj. (12 hour Jag. flat rate) was called for , and he hit the roof ! I told him he could expect to spend at least the original purchase price for Service - circa 1974 !For those wondering about labor time , XJ6 engine is dohc 6 with chain drive , camshafts must be removed to change shims under lifter buckets. Check original clearance , measure shim , determine new shim thickness ,reinstall shims and camshafts and recheck clearance .
I'm a rookie auto a.c tech and yes, the entire system should be at the very least, flushed when that happens, and the dryer and expansion valve replaced. However, I'm curious as to how the metal and other debris gets into the expansion and evaporator coil, when it can't pass through the dryer on the liquid line.
I had an AC problem all it need was a recharge , I can and do most of the mechanical work on my cars but theres some things Im not equiped or qualified to repair properly such as AC , Im glad my go to mechanic is a solid honest guy his name is Wayne he's awesome.
A family member bought a used 2008 Pacifica just after I got my 2004. I told him... proper timing belt maintenance is essential. He did the first one when I said to only after I bought the parts for him. In three years of non stop driving, it's right back at the timing belt service interval. I told him to do it again, but this time I'm not buying the parts. He's ignoring it this time and continuing to drive it hard. I expect he's buying a new car soon, because this one's probably giving him a very unpleasant and expensive surprise not too long from now.
That was an excellent decision to get rid of the old Chrysler Pacifica crossover wagon, because there were terrible, unreliability rates with these vehicles, most likely numerous amount of electrical and mechanical problems. All of them are already in the garbage dump. He should buy a 2019 Kia Sorento SX-L AWD with the 3.3 L V6 engine and the eight-speed automatic for his next vehicle, because it is a lot better or get a brand-new, 2021 Toyota Highlander LE AWD eight-passenger crossover with the 3.5 L V6 engine and the newer eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode (manual-shift). The Highlander is way more better than a Sorento in reliability, but they are still overpriced, whether if it is brand-new or used.
As for the question at the end. Yes, me. It sucks that other folks have burned mechanics because when major work needs to get done, nobody can afford to pay it all at once. I'm only had one or two really awesome mechanics work with me on payment plans as they know I'm a delivery driver and desperately need my vehicle but ever since moving to the bigger city (kansas City metro) I haven't found any mechanics that do this and it sucks cuz my old van needs a lot of work and I always pay my bill in full. It just sucks people have run out without paying them and that's why no one does it anymore :(
AC compressors seize because of heat. It happens in one of two ways. This could be from low voltage to the clutch coil or a failing clutch coil not firmly engaging the front clutch plate and allowing it to slip. The heat from this situation eventually destroys the bearing, front seal, causes ester or POE oil in the compressor to decompose. A more common cause of excess heat and compressor failure is actually low refrigerant charge. The cool refrigerant that returns from the evaporator coil in the dash actually cools the mechanical parts of the compressor as it carries lubricant circulating in the system back to the compressor. A low refrigerant charge may still feel cool to the touch on the line returning to the compressor and the cabin may still feel fairly cool but just a few degrees of suction gas superheat above the OEM design level allows heat to accumulate in the compressor cylinders. Pistons in the compressor expand when overheated heated just as they do in an overheated engine and wear against the cylinder walls. This wears away fine aluminum particles that increase cylinder wear and contaminate lubrication oil, spreading throughout the entire system. It is possible to flush and reuse some components but this is seldom done in any vehicle that has parts available. The labor to effectively clean coils, TXVs, and lines thoroughly usually exceeds the cost of parts by a wide margin and there is no practical way to know if some contamination remains. That potential debris remaining makes any repair impossible to warranty. Some components, multi channel heat exchangers, dryers, and accumulators are effectively impossible to clean and reuse. A note about electric cars and hybrids with electric compressors. This is not DIY territory for the shadetree mechanic and should only be done using the OEM shop manual procedures. They are very reliable systems but should not be "topped up." TLDR: If you notice a different noise coming from your air conditioner or notice that it is not performing as well as it once did it is important to see a qualified service technician right away. Fixing a slow leak and low refrigerant charge or replacing a compressor that simply has a bad clutch bearing are both a fraction of the cost of a whole system replacement. Having your AC checked by a *qualified* shop (like Wizard's) should be a regulars part of your maintenance. As with any mechanical thing, if you push it until in grinds to a stop the repair expenses will be higher. Note: I spent a career designing special vehicle AC systems. There are many details above that I skimmed over from a mechanics perspective. Refrigeration systems, their function and design is a fascinating subject and one that is advancing rapidly today. I would encourage any young people considering an engineering career to not shy away from thermodynamics and phase change physics. Everything from our solar future to spacecraft carrying settlers to Mars will depend on advancing this technology.
Excellent, excellent post. This should be pinned somewhere at the top. Another fella asked a different question earlier about what could be done to best maintain his A/C system. I told him get a UV flashlight & periodically go hunting for oil trails. Keep the condenser clean, ensure fans are running to maintain airflow & run on recirculate as much as possible to keep head pressure down. I won't pretend to know that much but it's a fascinating discipline & being in South Florida, it's one I do a lot of business in.
It drives me crazy to see really nice cars like that, that weren't properly cared for. If you can't afford to fix it, sell it to someone else who can. At least this guy is doing it right🙂👍
These cars use one way valves throughout the AC system too...about 8 in total and a tiny filter at the TX valve. They have to be removed before flushing any lines
I'm old enough to remember that in the U.K.,it was pretty much only Rolls Royce and Bentley that had air conditioning,it wasn't until the mid to late '90's when "everyday" cars started to have it fitted but even then it was often an expensive option.
I learned this lesson the hard way with my 99 trans am. I asked a mechanic to replace my compressor when I was 18 and didn't know any better. He did not warn me, he just agreed to do the job. He replaced with new compressor i provided, it failed. He then said it was my compressors fault, and if i let him do the job again with a compressor he provided it wont fail again, so i paid to replace just the compressor another time, and got another failure. I paid for two compressors and two labors to replace and still had no air. ~$1500 as i recall which was a lot for 18 year old me. fast forward about 5 more hot years and i replaced the whole system myself. 10 years after that, i still have cold air in that car. That was also when i learned to trust only myself with rare exceptions.
If only you could have seen the catastrophe that unfolded within the AC system of my F250 Wizard. In the case of my system, I don't have an expansion valve. Instead I have an orifice tube, and when my compressor grenaded, all that shrapnel got picked up by the tube and it caused it to crunch and collapse in the process. I almost couldn't pull it out it was so stuck. But with enough perseverance, I was able to finally replace the entire system myself and it still works great even a year later.
Back in the 1990's an acquaintance owned a RR, it failed its annual MOT test ( UK) on a leaking suspension strut. He booked it into Rolls Royce HQ Crewe England for a repair, he was told " "we will ring you when the cars ready". A week goes by...." Is my car ready"...." No Sir, we'll ring when it's ready "...Sometime later....." Your car s ready for collection ". On collection day " would you like to settle the bill Sir" ?...." Yes, but why has it cost £7500 for a strut"?....." Goodness me Sir, you drive a Rolls Royce and we guarantee our work on this fine marque so we've serviced the WHOLE rear suspension. Brakes, back axle, suspension ect.....The moral of the story as the Wizard says...." If the jobs worth doing, do it properly". " Have a nice day"!!...if you can!
At least here in the US my response would be "where is my signature on the authorization for the additional work?" If I take my car somewhere for a oil change to be done and they decide on their own to do a "full service" then it's a simple matter of paying for the oil change and thanking them for the free additional work. I do my own oil changes and work, and only take my car to a shop for work that I am unable to do due to equipment needed or if it is beyond my skill level. I am paying for their expertise and experience. I will listen to any recommendations they have but it is my decision if they are to do any work beyond the original agreed upon scope.
I have a 96 Brooklands SWB. I have spent over $25k on parts since 2012 when I bought it and that's doing all the work myself. The parts prices are just plain stupid and the suppliers of these parts have cornered the market and charge whatever they want. If you want to drive a Rolls/Bentley you will pay the price whether you're wealthy or poor.
I find that story a little hard to believe at face value, I have to say. He took the car back to the factory, not a dealership? And they did all that extra work without obtaining pre-authorisation? Nah, something not ringing true about that.
I learned a lot from the Wizard. Maybe my comment is not needed. In this case he states that everything should be replaced. In cases when the compressor / pump locks and desintegrates. Sending metal pieces through the system. True. Though. To give a more complete story about AC. If the compressor / pump leakes this is not needed, just replace the pump. If the condensor / radiator leaks, just replace the radiator. You can have really small leaks at the compressor that are hard to spot. As some people are not good in listening. I make this comment. Thank you Wizard.
I have owned several of these and currently have a perfect 89 Turbo R. I do the maintenance. That said, a follow up video would be great to show everything you had to remove to do the replacement work including the total cost when complete. I dont see 4K as enough even if you only charge $50 an hr! I did just the flab actuator bushings on an 89 Spur and that alone took 40 man hours which BTW should also be done when you are in there doing the evaporator!
The horn is factory, it's a fiamm 3100 series 12v airhorn. Same as the 80s ferraris and Lamborghinis of the period. I got a set off a 87 Maserati coupe and installed them in my Mercedes w126. Excellent horns and they work well!
Refrigeration engineer here. It is good practise to replace the orifice, and the drier aswell as the A/C compressor. You can blow down both sides of the evaporator and condenser to clear them usually. If the orifice is blocked you won't get swarf in the evaporator. You can also get strainers to go in the suction side of the compressor to catch anything the drier misses. Provided they aren't leaking. They also should be pressure tested with oxygen free nitrogen as well and I'd do a triple vac to be on the safe side. Also a good idea to check the high and low side pressure switches too
Modern automotive condensers are so tiny on the inside channels that flushing them is useless. Hence the manufacturers demanding their replacement to validate their warranty
I got the kit and replaced the system on my 02 Camry. I paid a little over $400 including cost of the kit and having a local shop evac and recharge the system once my repairs were complete. It wasn’t to bad to DIY on a Camry 4cyl ,plenty of room to work!
Believe it or not, one of my regular customers turned out to be one who at first heeded my advice. When the inevitable failure occurred, he figured he could trust me for about anything and I've been servicing his car since
It is like going to a doctor, if you have no intention of listening to them or following their recommendations why go in the first place. I had a mint 72 LTD that hand grenaded a compressor where parts blew outside, looked like an old engine block that threw a rod. I fixed ever part in it and it worked beautifully until the day the car was stolen. I had to cut the belt with a pocket knife for us to continue on our journey that day, it was also the summer in South Texas. That RR is a beauty.
I came to say this. I understand there will be crap in the system but just flush it all out and replace the dryer/filter. Actually replacing condenser, lines and evap is overkill.
@@zxggwrt Condenser is not too overkill to replace since it's the very first thing after the compressor. Then the orifice tube or expansion valve. I wouldn't expect the evaporator to be filled with metal shavings but I'm sure it's possible.
@@kevin9c1 Condenser, yes. It's out front and easy to get to. Evaporator, no. It's practically under the dash. I can understand replacement of the condenser. It's often tied to the dryer/accumulator.
Wizard, the Lincoln looks like a Rolls Royce! In his autobiography, the brilliant Lee IOACCA, explains how he got the idea to put a Rolls Royce style grill on a Lincoln, which they did on the Mark III, IV, V , VI and VII, with great results!
The green fluid is LMHO (liquid mineral hydraulic oil) it’s what’s used in the braking and suspension systems. It does look a bit weepy at the front , the hydrogen spheres could be shot ? Is the suspension hard? What about the brakes ? 30-40 pumps before the lights start flashing.... these cars are complex and sophisticated
I love the older full-size cars. What one likes and what one can afford like the RR is another story. My last full-size car was a Buick Road Master 1995, nice ride, nice thick comfortable seats, very good fuel mileage on the highway around 30mpg, but too much plastic in the interior.
Yep. I sell parts for a living. If you buy a compressor from me I will explain to you that there is NO warranty unless you also replace the receiver dryer, expansion valve/orifice tube, and have the system flushed. My company doesn't require replacement of the condenser and evaporator but it is a good idea. You don't have to buy all the parts from us but you must show receipts for the parts and a receipt showing that the parts were installed and that a flush was done.
Love your channel. Quality advice as always, but you can flush an AC system in part though as you pointed out it will not be metal free. GM dealers installed pancake or hot dog shaped filters in line before the compressors to catch the metal particles. Have to be done right to be leak free but they are an option.
You know Car Wizard is a damn good mechanic when someone travels all the way from Missouri to central Kansas to get their car fixed.
Peace of mind is worth much
Well when word gets out that a certain mechanic knows how to work on extremely niche cars people who own them will climb mountains and scale buildings to get their car to said mechanic because no one else could make heads or tails of it!
They just bought the car. Maybe the previous owner left the plates on and the current owner lives in Kansas.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH it’s a new MO plate registered through 2022
We've been getting these I'm from New York I would still go to him in fact he can take his boat to the place that was built
You can tell wizards a true dad the way he keeps bringing up the great deal he got on the shelves at the estate sale 🤣🤣
Yeah right $100000
This Roller still looks very premium.
So refreshing seeing older well maintained cars, it really shows pride of ownership vs the typical lazy jaded vehicle owners who don't appreciate their cars & it shows.
I am a mechanic and I think its mainly an issue with many people not being able to afford to take really nice care of their cars
@@thenormalyears I grew up from a poor family , money has nothing to do with it, it's an attitude & laziness plain & simple.
@@vinniecorleone62 Can't maintain a car without money. Plenty of people out there who NEED a car and can just about afford to buy and run it, but don't have the spare cash for regular preventive maintenance.
@@dunebasher1971 If one can't afford the basic maintenance cost, gas & insurance for a vehicle perhaps they shouldn't have one. I had to rely on public transportation many times between vehicles or when a transmission wasn't working, it's just basic economics & life.
@@vinniecorleone62 Keep fucking preaching bro
Can we get a t-shirt with just The Wizards face and text saying "No its not".
I think "Nice and tight" would be a good one as well
What about “Nah bro”
Or "Really really nice."
Bye Felicia is an instant hit
And things of that nature
One of the things I find most interesting is the number of exotics that apparently live in Kansas.
Whodathunkit!?!
Agreed, although most are old.
Perhaps to get the Heck outta Dodge quicker?
I was in Kansas for a few months about a decade ago. The roads are so flat and open, you can go like a mad bastard. They had to put 100mph speed limiters on the rental cars. That was the place to go fast.
Kansas is also the home of Cessna, where they make all the Citation Business Jets, a considerably more exotic purchase.
Wizard is an honest mechanic who seeks lees expensive solutions when available. Follow his advice.
Lincoln actually got it's inspiration for its grille from Rolls Royce. When making the Lincoln Mark III in the late 1960s, Henry Ford II said he wanted to put a Rolls Royce grille on a Thunderbird.
Here in Australia c.1977 to 1979 we had an Australian Ford LTD with the "Rolls-Royce" grille...a very handsome car. P6 series.
You caught that too. Thanks for making a correction. Too much misinformation on-line.
I figured, they look similar.
I had a really great MB tech and when my AC failed, he told me exactly the same thing and to get rid of the car, for that and other reasons. I asked him what I should buy and he said a Lexus LS400. That was back in 2001. It's still perfect and my daily driver. I remember driving past his shop on another day and noticed a RR. We then spent some time together under the car with him pointing out to me many of what he viewed as serious design and construction flaws producing poor reliability.
I'm looking for a ls400 or maybe a 430. Prefer the 400 but they are getting a little harder to find
@@MrFuchew Good ones are. When you can find them, the prices are often really high.
Imagine The Wizard working on Corbin Goodwins Rolls. Would be interesting to see his initial reaction.
And that Bendpak lift is really getting put through its paces with all these land barges.
And @watchjrgo rolls
Hello to my fav mechanic as a certified licensed A/C technician for over 33 years you are 100% on the a/c change out. Don't forget to mention multiple evap systems will be even more expensive. You did a great job explaining why. If it's a leak from a hose or main seal compressor bearing sometimes only a compressor and drier . Thank you have helped so many with your videos 🧙♂️👍🚗
Problem fixes itself in winter!
Not always. A/C systems dry the air in humid conditions and help defog windows much faster when it's cold and snowy or rainy out in fall and winter.
Your videos are getting supremely useful, Car Wizard.
this guy is like my second dad to teach me about cars i love it
I cuss my mechanic out... because I'm my mechanic and I just replace the compressor LOL.
I really hope to see your business grow even more wizard, you deserve it man.
Hi Car Wizard, I thought this was one of your best video and I'll explain why. I'm a home mechanic and normally do all my own servicing and repairs but I've never worked on an AC system, so when you said "you have to replace the system" I was in my mind questioning why - well you answered that really well showing all the fragmented metal particles that would be everywhere in the whole system. Thanks for sharing that info with us. Cheers Dave ( a Jaguar-owning Brit living in France)
That was the best "Bye Felicia!" I have ever seen!
One thing that would have helped the presentation is to dis-assemble the compressor to show where the metal bits originated
Here's a tip - search TH-cam for AC compressor teardowns.
Like the wizard has time for that. He barely has time to shoot these videos, never mind teardowns. My question is, what if he takes off a seized compressor and can find no evidence of shavings or other internal failures. Does it still necessitate replacing all components? I'd be hard pressed to replace everything if I couldn't see evidence of metal shavings in the oil.
With all of the Rolls Royce and Bentley repairs, the Queen will knight you Sir Wizard!
"Do you know anyone that refused to follow a mechanic's advice and 'fixed' their car the wrong way to only fix it the proper way later?" Pretty much every one of our friends. Sure, I can throw a temporary fiberglass or epoxy steel putty fix on their radiator to get them back going for the short term. This under the agreement they order a new radiator so it doesn't blow out again. Do they get one though? No, never. Usually find this out months later as they're calling for a ride back into town because their car is stranded on the side of the road with.... you guessed it. An overheated engine from a blown radiator.
VT247
😆so true
You are a million % right on the money, they never listen and never come back until the band aid falls off, usually catastrophic failure when they return.
Hoovie tho...
Appreciation for some good consistent camera work! Can't be easy getting to all those places.
Hey at least the compressor is right on top and easy to get to. Many modern cars don't have that luxury. (Looking at you hundai/kia)
Yes but wait till the entire dash is out on a cart for evaporator replacement not to mention pulling the condenser.
How about cars with the starter in the valley?
AC, like timing belt, you should replace everything. I once made the mistake of only replacing the timing belt on my Suby but didn’t replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time. 12 months later the tensioner broke. Learned my lesson. Unfortunately less than honest mechanics will just replace one part, even when they know you need to replace multiple parts, because They can get you to come back in and charge you again
If I were your customer, I would very much appreciate everything you could explain to me about the problem.
If I could have an auto mechanic like you I would buy a bentley like that and have you repair it. Your knowledge is incredible!!
Had the AC system replaced on her indoors Mazda Tribute a couple of years ago (the compressor wasn't locked up, but just stuffed) & the first thing our trusted mechanic said "you will have to replace all the components" for the very reason the Wizard stated. We took his advise & system has been working perfectly since being refurbished. Pays to listen.
It's nice how Mrs. Jenny it been part of your videos more and more.
What a beautiful vehicle. Very lucky owner to have found such a perfect example.
there should be some filter after compressor, for those occasions.
Yes it is , in european cars :) And there is anoter thing - aa cluch in the compressor's axel. It breaks before the compressor is seased up, and there is no shavings in the system at all.
Good luck getting these cheap ass carmakers to install one. They'd much rather sell you everything, or better yet, a whole new car!
Not all AC compressors are the same... Some are with clutch , other without. I had clutchless compressor on mine phaeton. It has two different protections from catastrophic lock. My point is Wizard way of changing everything is not right in all cases. And I don't believe him since he put 15w50 engine oil in the Lamborghini.
@@draganmladenov Belief is one thing, fact another altogether.
@@alexandermartincausey7333 Well RR was on shaking grounds in the 80s and 90s. Most people aren't aware they use GM Turbo 400 trans since the 60s, Delco HVAC in the 80s and DELCO stereo too. They were wanting to lower cost more and was going to use the Cadillac NORTHSTAR V8.
This Gen of this RR isn't my favorite because the trendy BIG SQUARE headlights. The car looks to genetic.
As in the case of the Lincoln comment. Lincoln was trying to copy RR in the 70s and 80s. Believe it not in National Geographic has ad where a Ford Granada was trying to compete with a RR! 😂
I learned why you have to replace the entire ac system. Had the same failure on my car last summer and told to get a warranty, I had to replace the entire system. You showed why. Thanks
even cushions in the trunk for kidnapped victims.
how considerate.
At just 21 seconds into this video, as the 1994 Rolls Royce Silver Spur lll turns towards the car ramps, well it looks huge, and indeed very heavy.....And yet in fact the 1994 / 1995 Silver Spur, is almost exactly the same length and width as for example. A 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham Sedan. I suppose that’s where the similarity ends, as the Silver Spur weighs in at 5,446 pounds. That’s heavy, heavier than a 1974 Lincoln Continental mark IV, the Continental’s weight was 5,366 pounds.
In the dude’s defense a lot of dealerships and mechanics are crooks (like with any profession) But if you go to a dude that has a shop that size, the customers he has, and a TH-cam channel you know he’s legit. Never seen any pro in any field grow large and have a great clientele screwing people.
That's great advice and it is true
As Scotty would say “Good shops don’t need to advertise because they have good word of mouth”
@@jeffzekas that's one he's right about
And he already has a boat!
@@here-i-am2316 absolutely a real person or thing in anything is the best
Thanks car Wizard for this Particular video, I'm sure just about everybody must be under the same illusion that you only have replace the compressor, thanks for showing us WHY we need to replace the whole system.
You'd be a great teacher in a school like UTI. I think I am a pretty good mechanic but having you as a mentor would put my skills to the next level.
"Get your hands off the lady!" LOL
I bet Jenny gets out the whips & chains at night, tells Wizard to jump & he asks how high...
The thing about a teacher is they'll make you do it again & again until you get it right
Mrs Wizard got it down with camera work 👍
This reminds me when three years ago on my Father's 98 fiat tempra the timing belt tensioner bearing had seized so badly that the belt was literally rubbing on the pulley to the point of resurfacing the backside of the belt and creating cracks all over the belt. Suffice to say, that was a hell of a bullet that he dodged.
2:28 - That sounded more violence than it was xD
Very educational wizard, if I'm ever in that situation with the AC in my car this will help me accept the quote they'll give me. Thanks.
Ya and you get the trolls saying why not replace the dryer and compressor
I love it when customers argue with me. My go-to line is, "if you know how to do it better, why'd you bring it here?", followed by, "when the next guy tells you the same thing, tell him he's wrong too".😂
Really appreciate this full explanation. Great video !!
The last of the good looking Rolls
Absolutely.. I have a 91. Won go any newer than the Silver Spurs/Spirits. The newer ones have ugly rear ends.
Great explanation from a reputable mechanic!👍🏽
nice explanation on AC failure good job there love the Rolls-Royce thanks for the tour keep the videos coming definite thumbs up
Thanks wizard for all the helpful insight you always give on cars. To be honest I probably would be one complaining about you wanting to replace my whole ac system when it only needs a compressor but now I get it why you have too and why it makes sense to.
Residential HVAC/R tech here, On residential systems you would at least install a suction line filter /. dryer, they make special HH type that are for acidic type of electrical burnouts so to save the new compressor, my self I would replace the lineset or hoses the accumulator and metering device and filter dryers etc, the particulates will float around and there are no suction line filters for cars that I know of?
Hey Car Wizard, years ago I replaced just the compressor in my (junk) Pontiac G5 with one from a Cavalier. It worked fine for the next year I owned the car.
Yeah, it really depends of what was the failure. On my 2008 Mazda 3, I replaced the compressor from another 3 and it worked fine, because it was the electro-magnetic clutch that has failed, and not the compressor itself.
Thank you for educating me about this issue. That hurts.
Interesting video. Our home heat pump heating and cooling compressor has failed twice in the 20 years we have lived in our home and both times the HVAC service tech said we had to replace most of the system not just the compressor. I never really understood exactly why this was . I trusted our tech and did as he said. Now I know just what he was talking about.
While working as Asst. Service Mgr. at multi line Foreign car dealership , an XJ6 was purchased by local Dr. of considerable means (hospital was named for his family) . At first service , valve adj. (12 hour Jag. flat rate) was called for , and he hit the roof ! I told him he could expect to spend at least the original purchase price for Service - circa 1974 !For those wondering about labor time , XJ6 engine is dohc 6 with chain drive , camshafts must be removed to change shims under lifter buckets. Check original clearance , measure shim , determine new shim thickness ,reinstall shims and camshafts and recheck clearance .
Thanks wizard! Your videos are great and so informative. I wish we had you here in the UK to check over my cars
I'm a rookie auto a.c tech and yes, the entire system should be at the very least, flushed when that happens, and the dryer and expansion valve replaced. However, I'm curious as to how the metal and other debris gets into the expansion and evaporator coil, when it can't pass through the dryer on the liquid line.
Back flow
@@CarWizard Ohh, yes, that makes sense, thank you my friend.
I had an AC problem all it need was a recharge , I can and do most of the mechanical work on my cars but theres some things Im not equiped or qualified to repair properly such as AC , Im glad my go to mechanic is a solid honest guy his name is Wayne he's awesome.
A family member bought a used 2008 Pacifica just after I got my 2004. I told him... proper timing belt maintenance is essential. He did the first one when I said to only after I bought the parts for him. In three years of non stop driving, it's right back at the timing belt service interval. I told him to do it again, but this time I'm not buying the parts. He's ignoring it this time and continuing to drive it hard. I expect he's buying a new car soon, because this one's probably giving him a very unpleasant and expensive surprise not too long from now.
That was an excellent decision to get rid of the old Chrysler Pacifica crossover wagon, because there were terrible, unreliability rates with these vehicles, most likely numerous amount of electrical and mechanical problems. All of them are already in the garbage dump. He should buy a 2019 Kia Sorento SX-L AWD with the 3.3 L V6 engine and the eight-speed automatic for his next vehicle, because it is a lot better or get a brand-new, 2021 Toyota Highlander LE AWD eight-passenger crossover with the 3.5 L V6 engine and the newer eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode (manual-shift). The Highlander is way more better than a Sorento in reliability, but they are still overpriced, whether if it is brand-new or used.
As for the question at the end. Yes, me.
It sucks that other folks have burned mechanics because when major work needs to get done, nobody can afford to pay it all at once. I'm only had one or two really awesome mechanics work with me on payment plans as they know I'm a delivery driver and desperately need my vehicle but ever since moving to the bigger city (kansas City metro) I haven't found any mechanics that do this and it sucks cuz my old van needs a lot of work and I always pay my bill in full. It just sucks people have run out without paying them and that's why no one does it anymore :(
He knows his stuff ! Could there be a strip down and repair videos in future ?
Loved the info on the ac, very educational, thanks ,loved the video
Love older Rolls Royce / Bentley videos!!!!!
Thank you!!!!
Great insight into ac systems!!!
Thank you
"Where is Mrs. Wizard? Hope she didn't go on a joyride." lol...
AC compressors seize because of heat. It happens in one of two ways. This could be from low voltage to the clutch coil or a failing clutch coil not firmly engaging the front clutch plate and allowing it to slip. The heat from this situation eventually destroys the bearing, front seal, causes ester or POE oil in the compressor to decompose.
A more common cause of excess heat and compressor failure is actually low refrigerant charge. The cool refrigerant that returns from the evaporator coil in the dash actually cools the mechanical parts of the compressor as it carries lubricant circulating in the system back to the compressor. A low refrigerant charge may still feel cool to the touch on the line returning to the compressor and the cabin may still feel fairly cool but just a few degrees of suction gas superheat above the OEM design level allows heat to accumulate in the compressor cylinders. Pistons in the compressor expand when overheated heated just as they do in an overheated engine and wear against the cylinder walls. This wears away fine aluminum particles that increase cylinder wear and contaminate lubrication oil, spreading throughout the entire system.
It is possible to flush and reuse some components but this is seldom done in any vehicle that has parts available. The labor to effectively clean coils, TXVs, and lines thoroughly usually exceeds the cost of parts by a wide margin and there is no practical way to know if some contamination remains. That potential debris remaining makes any repair impossible to warranty. Some components, multi channel heat exchangers, dryers, and accumulators are effectively impossible to clean and reuse.
A note about electric cars and hybrids with electric compressors. This is not DIY territory for the shadetree mechanic and should only be done using the OEM shop manual procedures. They are very reliable systems but should not be "topped up."
TLDR: If you notice a different noise coming from your air conditioner or notice that it is not performing as well as it once did it is important to see a qualified service technician right away. Fixing a slow leak and low refrigerant charge or replacing a compressor that simply has a bad clutch bearing are both a fraction of the cost of a whole system replacement. Having your AC checked by a *qualified* shop (like Wizard's) should be a regulars part of your maintenance. As with any mechanical thing, if you push it until in grinds to a stop the repair expenses will be higher.
Note: I spent a career designing special vehicle AC systems. There are many details above that I skimmed over from a mechanics perspective. Refrigeration systems, their function and design is a fascinating subject and one that is advancing rapidly today. I would encourage any young people considering an engineering career to not shy away from thermodynamics and phase change physics. Everything from our solar future to spacecraft carrying settlers to Mars will depend on advancing this technology.
Excellent, excellent post. This should be pinned somewhere at the top. Another fella asked a different question earlier about what could be done to best maintain his A/C system. I told him get a UV flashlight & periodically go hunting for oil trails. Keep the condenser clean, ensure fans are running to maintain airflow & run on recirculate as much as possible to keep head pressure down. I won't pretend to know that much but it's a fascinating discipline & being in South Florida, it's one I do a lot of business in.
Really cheap to buy secondhand in the UK you can buy one for $10,000 loads of older ones in the junkyards
Road salt and the MOT kills them quickly
It drives me crazy to see really nice cars like that, that weren't properly cared for. If you can't afford to fix it, sell it to someone else who can. At least this guy is doing it right🙂👍
These cars use one way valves throughout the AC system too...about 8 in total and a tiny filter at the TX valve. They have to be removed before flushing any lines
I'm old enough to remember that in the U.K.,it was pretty much only Rolls Royce and Bentley that had air conditioning,it wasn't until the mid to late '90's when "everyday" cars started to have it fitted but even then it was often an expensive option.
Your shop is beautiful, Car Wizerd.
I learned this lesson the hard way with my 99 trans am. I asked a mechanic to replace my compressor when I was 18 and didn't know any better. He did not warn me, he just agreed to do the job. He replaced with new compressor i provided, it failed. He then said it was my compressors fault, and if i let him do the job again with a compressor he provided it wont fail again, so i paid to replace just the compressor another time, and got another failure. I paid for two compressors and two labors to replace and still had no air. ~$1500 as i recall which was a lot for 18 year old me. fast forward about 5 more hot years and i replaced the whole system myself. 10 years after that, i still have cold air in that car. That was also when i learned to trust only myself with rare exceptions.
If only you could have seen the catastrophe that unfolded within the AC system of my F250 Wizard. In the case of my system, I don't have an expansion valve. Instead I have an orifice tube, and when my compressor grenaded, all that shrapnel got picked up by the tube and it caused it to crunch and collapse in the process. I almost couldn't pull it out it was so stuck. But with enough perseverance, I was able to finally replace the entire system myself and it still works great even a year later.
Back in the 1990's an acquaintance owned a RR, it failed its annual MOT test ( UK) on a leaking suspension strut. He booked it into Rolls Royce HQ Crewe England for a repair, he was told " "we will ring you when the cars ready". A week goes by...." Is my car ready"...." No Sir, we'll ring when it's ready "...Sometime later....." Your car s ready for collection ".
On collection day " would you like to settle the bill Sir" ?...." Yes, but why has it cost £7500 for a strut"?....." Goodness me Sir, you drive a Rolls Royce and we guarantee our work on this fine marque so we've serviced the WHOLE rear suspension. Brakes, back axle, suspension ect.....The moral of the story as the Wizard says...." If the jobs worth doing, do it properly".
" Have a nice day"!!...if you can!
At least here in the US my response would be "where is my signature on the authorization for the additional work?" If I take my car somewhere for a oil change to be done and they decide on their own to do a "full service" then it's a simple matter of paying for the oil change and thanking them for the free additional work.
I do my own oil changes and work, and only take my car to a shop for work that I am unable to do due to equipment needed or if it is beyond my skill level. I am paying for their expertise and experience. I will listen to any recommendations they have but it is my decision if they are to do any work beyond the original agreed upon scope.
I have a 96 Brooklands SWB. I have spent over $25k on parts since 2012 when I bought it and that's doing all the work myself. The parts prices are just plain stupid and the suppliers of these parts have cornered the market and charge whatever they want. If you want to drive a Rolls/Bentley you will pay the price whether you're wealthy or poor.
I find that story a little hard to believe at face value, I have to say. He took the car back to the factory, not a dealership? And they did all that extra work without obtaining pre-authorisation? Nah, something not ringing true about that.
@@Dave-in-MD I'm the same as you.
Back in the 1970's my Uncle had a 1969 Corniche convertible in cream color with tan interior, later he had a 2005 Azure turbo convertible awesome car!
I learned a lot from the Wizard. Maybe my comment is not needed. In this case he states that everything should be replaced. In cases when the compressor / pump locks and desintegrates. Sending metal pieces through the system. True. Though. To give a more complete story about AC. If the compressor / pump leakes this is not needed, just replace the pump. If the condensor / radiator leaks, just replace the radiator. You can have really small leaks at the compressor that are hard to spot. As some people are not good in listening. I make this comment. Thank you Wizard.
I have owned several of these and currently have a perfect 89 Turbo R. I do the maintenance. That said, a follow up video would be great to show everything you had to remove to do the replacement work including the total cost when complete. I dont see 4K as enough even if you only charge $50 an hr! I did just the flab actuator bushings on an 89 Spur and that alone took 40 man hours which BTW should also be done when you are in there doing the evaporator!
WOW the entire evap coil! WOW I never thought of that.
Mrs Wizard is a lovely person… Jolly good 😊
The horn is factory, it's a fiamm 3100 series 12v airhorn. Same as the 80s ferraris and Lamborghinis of the period. I got a set off a 87 Maserati coupe and installed them in my Mercedes w126. Excellent horns and they work well!
Refrigeration engineer here. It is good practise to replace the orifice, and the drier aswell as the A/C compressor. You can blow down both sides of the evaporator and condenser to clear them usually. If the orifice is blocked you won't get swarf in the evaporator. You can also get strainers to go in the suction side of the compressor to catch anything the drier misses. Provided they aren't leaking. They also should be pressure tested with oxygen free nitrogen as well and I'd do a triple vac to be on the safe side. Also a good idea to check the high and low side pressure switches too
Modern automotive condensers are so tiny on the inside channels that flushing them is useless. Hence the manufacturers demanding their replacement to validate their warranty
At a glance i thought the thumbnail said "smoking pot" ha ha
Love your show. Much love from Guahan.
Very informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.G'day from Australia
I got the kit and replaced the system on my 02 Camry. I paid a little over $400 including cost of the kit and having a local shop evac and recharge the system once my repairs were complete. It wasn’t to bad to DIY on a Camry 4cyl ,plenty of room to work!
When the Carquest computers started listing AC kits it was the best day.
Believe it or not, one of my regular customers turned out to be one who at first heeded my advice. When the inevitable failure occurred, he figured he could trust me for about anything and I've been servicing his car since
It is like going to a doctor, if you have no intention of listening to them or following their recommendations why go in the first place. I had a mint 72 LTD that hand grenaded a compressor where parts blew outside, looked like an old engine block that threw a rod. I fixed ever part in it and it worked beautifully until the day the car was stolen. I had to cut the belt with a pocket knife for us to continue on our journey that day, it was also the summer in South Texas. That RR is a beauty.
I had the same issue and lucked out, didn’t replace the evaporator or condenser just had them flushed. The system worked for good 6 years
I also know many such cases.
I came to say this. I understand there will be crap in the system but just flush it all out and replace the dryer/filter. Actually replacing condenser, lines and evap is overkill.
@@zxggwrt Condenser is not too overkill to replace since it's the very first thing after the compressor. Then the orifice tube or expansion valve. I wouldn't expect the evaporator to be filled with metal shavings but I'm sure it's possible.
Mime did the same thing, replaced the expansion valve, condenser, dryer and expansion valve. Flushed the evaporator well. 4 years now, works great.
@@kevin9c1 Condenser, yes. It's out front and easy to get to. Evaporator, no. It's practically under the dash. I can understand replacement of the condenser. It's often tied to the dryer/accumulator.
start of video ,reminded me of the movie christine :). great movie
These are great cars. You can tell he loves this generation. It will never go out of style.
I agree the entire AC system needs to be replaced. I’d bypass it unless in Florida, Arizona, or Texas.
Wizard, the Lincoln looks like a Rolls Royce! In his autobiography, the brilliant Lee IOACCA, explains how he got the idea to put a Rolls Royce style grill on a Lincoln, which they did on the Mark III, IV, V , VI and VII, with great results!
It's a beautiful thing when a 25+ year old vehicle is kept in such amazing condition
The green fluid is LMHO (liquid mineral hydraulic oil) it’s what’s used in the braking and suspension systems. It does look a bit weepy at the front , the hydrogen spheres could be shot ? Is the suspension hard? What about the brakes ? 30-40 pumps before the lights start flashing.... these cars are complex and sophisticated
I love the older full-size cars. What one likes and what one can afford like the RR is another story. My last full-size car was a Buick Road Master 1995, nice ride, nice thick comfortable seats, very good fuel mileage on the highway around 30mpg, but too much plastic in the interior.
Good advert for Bendpack, thats a lot of weight up there!
Hate the way bawl and shout when they are wrong. Like big children... do without people like that. Great and informative video Wizard
Yep. I sell parts for a living. If you buy a compressor from me I will explain to you that there is NO warranty unless you also replace the receiver dryer, expansion valve/orifice tube, and have the system flushed. My company doesn't require replacement of the condenser and evaporator but it is a good idea. You don't have to buy all the parts from us but you must show receipts for the parts and a receipt showing that the parts were installed and that a flush was done.
My 43k mile fiesta ST did this. And because some of the pulleys were plastic, it melted the belt and other pulleys. Thanks Ford
Wizard will need a new lift - I can see the story now “The Silver Spur bent my lift like a banana”
Those are new lifts.
@Ariel Falk haha
@@bosgaurus1 yes they're bendpaks, aka garbage.
Have one in my garage so I'm well aware
@@egnaro-hm1bd, oh. Well I guess that makes you the expert, and everyone else can shut the hell up. Duly noted. Out.
@@bosgaurus1 bro wtf?
Love your channel. Quality advice as always, but you can flush an AC system in part though as you pointed out it will not be metal free. GM dealers installed pancake or hot dog shaped filters in line before the compressors to catch the metal particles. Have to be done right to be leak free but they are an option.
Roll Royce Yachts... HUGE BOATS with Wheels..!
That Roll's is gorgeous ♥️