Experience with a good A/C repair??

mrgoodtude · Apr 2, 2012

Have my favorite dealer's but none are proficient with A/C repair..
Current estimate is 3K and that is just not acceptable (they wanna replace everything minus rear expansion valve and hoses to same REALLY)..
Issue is trying to get aluminum fittings off original (front) expansion valve.
This truck had the best A/C ever till a few months ago..sigh
Any help?

davekc · Apr 2, 2012

I don't do dealers for AC repairs because they are generally parts changers rather than technicians. As for the best, well...depends on where you are at.

mrgoodtude · Apr 2, 2012

Yeah that's what I am finding out (the hard way)$$$
KW doesn't want to use a leak detector figuring out more lucrative to use a vacuum pump and replace parts till system holds suction...
Dave in TN heading to KY or FT Wayne if I can't come up with a better solution.

davekc · Apr 2, 2012

mrgoodtude said:
Yeah that's what I am finding out (the hard way)$$$
KW doesn't want to use a leak detector figuring out more lucrative to use a vacuum pump and replace parts till system holds suction...
Dave in TN heading to KY or FT Wayne if I can't come up with a better solution.

There is a place that is good on AC's in Fort Wayne called Fort Wayne AC Specialists or something like that. They do all the truck side ac stuff for ICT. Decent with good rates and can do custom hoses. Call ICT at 1800-800-3244 and ask for Woody. He can give you their number. Several of the RV places use this place as well up there.

mrgoodtude · Apr 2, 2012

davekc said:
There is a place that is good on AC's in Fort Wayne called Fort Wayne AC Specialists or something like that. They do all the truck side ac stuff for ICT. Decent with good rates and can do custom hoses. Call ICT at 1800-800-3244 and ask for Woody. He can give you their number. Several of the RV places use this place as well up there.

Thanks Dave (I think the place you mentioned is across the 69 from Pilot aka Mayflower) I will call Woody to be sure..Last time i saw him he sent me to Amish land to fix my Gen set..Best baked goods I have ever eaten.

jjoerger · Apr 10, 2012

We just had ours repaired at North Florida Truck parts in Lake City.
They found a leaking high pressure line. $511 dollars for parts and labor.

Tennesseahawk · Apr 10, 2012

There's a place practically next door to Load One, that specializes in air conditioning. My neighbor took his truck there for that, and other stuff. Said they are very reasonable.

14Wheeler · Apr 11, 2012

Raney's Truck service in Ocala Fla

drivers around here (me too) swear by them.

they have always fixed issues the first time without all that bull bout replacing un-needed parts

I doubt youll find another shop that does their kinda *honest* work for less money

ttruck · Apr 11, 2012

Had to have ac worked on in lexington ky freightliner they did replace everything but one line around 1900.00 a yeargo

davekc · Apr 12, 2012

ttruck said:
Had to have ac worked on in lexington ky freightliner they did replace everything but one line around 1900.00 a yeargo

Pretty high price and of course that all elusive question. Did it ALL need replaced? Our experience with (not all) but most of them is to not identify the problem but to tear everything out and replace it. Parts changers if you will. Usually much better repairs out there at a more reasonable price.

zorry · Apr 12, 2012

They probably would have changed that last hose if they had it in stock. Change everything involved and your chances of it working are pretty good.

14Wheeler · Apr 12, 2012

Maybe it's just me , but i'd tend to have more confidence in doing business of this type....in the southern "hot azz" states.

I figure they prolly deal with way more defective units and their overall knowledge base is way more extensive.(since A/C is their thang) I've seen the "wrenches" working their behinds off at Raneys , and it deff appears to me , the goal is FIX for timely turn-around , not rape. The guys know what to look for , therfore no need for total replacement........ If you're actually experience'd enuff to do a quantified assessment. These guys ain't looking to fatten up the repair order for some kinda under the table "spiff" money.

Bruno · Apr 15, 2012

mrgoodtude said:
Have my favorite dealer's but none are proficient with A/C repair..
Current estimate is 3K and that is just not acceptable (they wanna replace everything minus rear expansion valve and hoses to same REALLY)..
Issue is trying to get aluminum fittings off original (front) expansion valve.
This truck had the best A/C ever till a few months ago..sigh
Any help?

Armstrong Truck and Trailer in Akron, Ohio. Dan Schultz is the manager and they do good work on AC units. Here is the link to their webpage. Armstrong Truck & Trailer Repair

tknight · Apr 15, 2012

I'll give a second vote on Armstrong as part owner/investor I have (paid them lots of money over the years) I can say they get er done in fact mine is gonna get it all replaced on it's semi annual a/c overhaul again! Parts just don't last in these things what happened to quality?

mrgoodtude · Apr 19, 2012

Thank you for all the responses folks..
Update
Had to go back west so I took some advice on a shop a friend recommended in Fontana, Ca "24 hour mobile" (plug)
Shop rate is only $70 an hour and they do good work.
$2300.00 replaced Compressor, lines, evaporator, 2 expansion valves and because the truck is an 05 a lot of labor was involved (30 hrs) but was only charged a flat 12.
Took longer than I expected but the mechanic really made a diligent effort to replace only parts that were needed so I am happy with the service.
Where else in CA are you gonna get work done for $70 and hour?
Oh and they didn't mark up the parts 20% like the stealership in Louisville.

mxzane933 · Apr 19, 2012

Stick your head out the window save a few bucks too

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using EO Forums

mrgoodtude · Apr 19, 2012

Shameless plug for another shop!
Water pump gave up the ghost on the way out west just before Amarillo and Cummins nor KW would even talk to me for 2 days

Found I-27 Adams truck repair on "Truckdown.com and tho they were busy they said they would work me in..
Boy did they.. 6hrs from the time I called the wrecker I was driving off their lot for a bill of $252.

mrgoodtude · Apr 19, 2012

mxzane933 said:
Stick your head out the window save a few bucks too

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using EO Forums

Where you at coolbreeze?

zorry · Apr 19, 2012

If 24 hour moble is a crowded little shop on the east side of the street a little so of F
KW in Fontana they did us right last fall. Pulled in and they had us going with another compressor in a few hours. Was in a friends truck so I can't look up receipt.

mrgoodtude · Apr 19, 2012

zorry said:
If 24 hour moble is a crowded little shop on the east side of the street a little so of F
KW in Fontana they did us right last fall. Pulled in and they had us going with another compressor in a few hours. Was in a friends truck so I can't look up receipt.

Yessir that is the one