Ask the Mechanic
Full of Hot Air
STEVE: I have a Kubota 8540 that lost its air-conditioning. I have replaced the compressor, high and low switches, expansion valve, evaporator, dryer and condenser, and have flushed the system -- two times in some cases. It would blow, but this Texas 105ºF air parked the tractor during hay season.
My neighbor knows a lot about air-conditioning, and after reading his gauges, he told me I needed a new compressor. My wife ordered an aftermarket compressor online, and the air still was hot. My neighbor insisted the problem still was with the compressor. She ordered another one with the same result.
Finally, the neighbor recommended we go get a compressor at the Kubota dealership. It worked. This was an expensive lesson, not only because of the cost of the compressors and other parts, but also the rental expense of another tractor during the first cutting of hay. I have heard of many other problems with online parts. Buyer beware of aftermarket parts sold online.
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-- Email Steve Thompson at mechanic@progressivefarmer.com, and be sure to include your contact information and phone number.
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