Expansion Valve Recall - To do or not to do?
06-13-2006, 07:36 AM
#1
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Expansion Valve Recall - To do or not to do?
SORRY - 1990 4Runner 4WD V6 (forgot to mention that tidbit)
That is the million $$$ question I have this morning.
Called Toyota to see if my 4runner was part of the HG recall, and it wasn't. But I did find out that I am eligible for an A/C Expansion Valve replacement.
No brainer right? Here's my dilema. I am from the school that teaches you (has been beaten into my brain over the years) that is it ain't broken, don't MESS WITH IT!
I love my truck, small problems and all, but the one thing I can brag about most is my A/C. I have never been in a vehicle where the A/C works this good. That sucker pumps out sub zero temps, and I live in a place that frequents the century mark on the thermometer all summer, so A/C is vital!
My buddy suggested having it replaced because they might have to empty the freon, and if they do they'll have to fill it back up, so if I am a little low, I'll be topped off for free, and that stuff is expensive!
So what are your thoughts, should I have it replaced, or leave well enough alone and don't mess with it?
That is the million $$$ question I have this morning.
Called Toyota to see if my 4runner was part of the HG recall, and it wasn't. But I did find out that I am eligible for an A/C Expansion Valve replacement.
No brainer right? Here's my dilema. I am from the school that teaches you (has been beaten into my brain over the years) that is it ain't broken, don't MESS WITH IT!
I love my truck, small problems and all, but the one thing I can brag about most is my A/C. I have never been in a vehicle where the A/C works this good. That sucker pumps out sub zero temps, and I live in a place that frequents the century mark on the thermometer all summer, so A/C is vital!
My buddy suggested having it replaced because they might have to empty the freon, and if they do they'll have to fill it back up, so if I am a little low, I'll be topped off for free, and that stuff is expensive!
So what are your thoughts, should I have it replaced, or leave well enough alone and don't mess with it?
Last edited by vegascoug; 06-13-2006 at 08:00 AM.
06-13-2006, 08:10 AM
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95 v6 4wd 4runner just got of the phone with toyota
Oh well, I would do it if My Ac was low or not efficent. However lok out you know they will probably say the compressor is leaking. which it very well could be mine was I saw the dye. hence the $1000 dollar ac when all is said and done
(New dryer, expansion valve, compressor, and freon)= close to $1000
Price of being cool durnig South Texas summer = Priceless
Oh well, I would do it if My Ac was low or not efficent. However lok out you know they will probably say the compressor is leaking. which it very well could be mine was I saw the dye. hence the $1000 dollar ac when all is said and done
(New dryer, expansion valve, compressor, and freon)= close to $1000
Price of being cool durnig South Texas summer = Priceless
Last edited by kmcc78240; 06-13-2006 at 08:15 AM.
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06-13-2006, 08:12 AM
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Bummer. The nice part about calling Toyota for me today was he checked ALL the campaigns for my truck. Last time I called they just verified the Power Steering recall. This time he checked the HG recall and then told me the other ones outstanding for my Runner. That was nice to know.
So is your truck R12 or the wimpy modern (ozone safe) stuff?
So is your truck R12 or the wimpy modern (ozone safe) stuff?
06-13-2006, 08:29 AM
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MY friend is an AC tech and was willing to help me do the expansion valve my self but the tight quarters of the dash board scared him away my old AC in wifes car 89 benz was r12. Went to his house and refilled it twice befor ewe sold that POS. Long story not anything against Benz for anyone that might read that. and want to start an argument.
06-13-2006, 08:30 AM
#12
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Here's food for thought. If freon is heavier than air, how does it hurt the environment?
Ummm, R12 is super expensive, but still available. I'd personally not touch it. If you don't take it into the dealership they can't cross you off their list so to speak. Hence if your ac really did fail a year or two from now, you'd still qualify for the recall.
Ummm, R12 is super expensive, but still available. I'd personally not touch it. If you don't take it into the dealership they can't cross you off their list so to speak. Hence if your ac really did fail a year or two from now, you'd still qualify for the recall.
06-13-2006, 08:32 AM
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Yeah, my brother is a mech and has access to R12, but I've never had to refill it before.
Like I said, it's not giving me any problems. In fact, that's that one thing I would say is perfect with my truck.
Like I said, it's not giving me any problems. In fact, that's that one thing I would say is perfect with my truck.
06-13-2006, 08:34 AM
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Thanks wrenchmonster, my thoughts exactly. I am qualified for the recall now, so if it went out I'd be again.
Basically anything "good" is "bad" for the environment. There are some solvents I used to use when detailing that we had a hard time finding, I am sure because of an EPA issue.
Yet it's perfectly cool for the government to store freakin Mustard Gas 5 miles from my house. Neat!
Basically anything "good" is "bad" for the environment. There are some solvents I used to use when detailing that we had a hard time finding, I am sure because of an EPA issue.
Yet it's perfectly cool for the government to store freakin Mustard Gas 5 miles from my house. Neat!
06-13-2006, 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by vegascoug
As much as some may hate me, I'll all for the R12 (sorry).
In fact, it tastes really good sprinkled on spotted owls (sorry again, bad joke)
In fact, it tastes really good sprinkled on spotted owls (sorry again, bad joke)
Yeah and it does taste good on spotted owls or Condors if you are in Kali.
06-13-2006, 02:41 PM
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Oh yeah if it works don't fix it. But if they are willing to top you off with r-12 and replace the drier then do it. but if they are coing to convert you to 134 make sure they replace all the seals and flush Bla, bla ,bla. That might cost some $$
06-13-2006, 03:17 PM
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I have to agree, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I bought a 1990 4Runner with 224,000 miles on it and Toyota still did one of the recalls for me. It was the front end steering. My A/C also works excellent, much better than my 92 that was converted over to the R134. Although I did post a topic about the converstion and how I finally got it working much better.
If you have the dealer work on it now, they will probably find something else wrong (or tell you there is) and want to charge you extra to fix it.
I bought a 1990 4Runner with 224,000 miles on it and Toyota still did one of the recalls for me. It was the front end steering. My A/C also works excellent, much better than my 92 that was converted over to the R134. Although I did post a topic about the converstion and how I finally got it working much better.
If you have the dealer work on it now, they will probably find something else wrong (or tell you there is) and want to charge you extra to fix it.
06-13-2006, 03:40 PM
#20
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I paid them $35 when I first got the truck to tell me there was $2000 worth of stuff wrong with it. I ordered all the parts they wanted to replace for less than $100 and fixed it myself. Best $35 I ever spent! They gave me a list of part numbers and everything I needed to replace. Well part of that was a wheel alignment because I had some issues with the front left axle, and Les Schwab did that for $50, when they wanted $150 for it. So all total probably $150.
Got the truck for $2750 though, body and inside are in excellent condition. Few mechanical problems to start with, couple since then, but still under value I think!
Got the truck for $2750 though, body and inside are in excellent condition. Few mechanical problems to start with, couple since then, but still under value I think!
