From the very first time I attended a mobile air conditioning industry function (some 25 years ago), all I have heard about is that the industry needs more training and better education. At that time, I wasn’t so sure of why, although being fresh out of school I did understand the fact that an education will never hurt you. I just didn’t really understand why the industry was so ‘hyped’ on this. After all, there were always local A/C courses available either through jobbers or parts suppliers, or through colleges and other local institutions. What was the problem?

Now, fast forward a decade or two. Having been involved in the mobile air conditioning aftermarket for over 25 years, I hate to admit that I am still surprised at the questions and comments that are brought up by supposedly professional A/C technicians. I say supposedly professional because, as everyone knows in the world of sports you are an amateur up until the time you get paid for your game. Getting paid qualifies you as a professional. Therefore, when a technician is gainfully employed and charging a fee to diagnose and repair automotive A/C systems, he is qualified as professional, correct? Above that, he or she probably has some level of training and qualifications in the trade that establishes them as a professional (ie.: a licensed mechanic)

So then consider some real simple issues that seem to come up on a regular basis. Why is it when  dealing with retrofit components, the low side port adapters have always outsold the high side adapters? A quick little informal investigation finds that in far too many cases, ONLY the low side adapter is used because of charge requirements or, (in what we consider real special shops), the low side adapters are installed only to charge the system; then they’re removed before the car leaves! I never considered them reusable... but then, who am I say.

What about a simple question about the orifice tube. Consider a tech support telephone call to help with advise on a poor cooling complaint. Well, in order to get the entire picture, you have to work through the job and the complaint with the technician. You try to understand what the A/C system was or was not doing and what the technician has done so far. Ultimately, you have to ask what the condition of the orifice tube is. Trying to provide the proper guidance, it’s important to know if there is corrosion or debris on the orifice tube; is it plugged up? When you ask the technician these questions regarding the orifice tube and you get a “huh?” as a response... you know you’re in for a long telephone call.

How about vacuum? There are some real good comments about vacuum and they really do deserve a prize. Of course this topic only comes to surface occasionally. Usually when there is a repeat problem or a second compressor failure, or some other issue where the tech finds himself in a the proverbial hot water. Go ahead and quiz some techs about the service procedures they did the first time. I was never so surprised as when asking about the original job and whether or not the system was flushed... I was told point blank that the system was “cleaned out real good! I vacuumed ‘er out for over an hour!” It was a long conversation to explain that you may vacuum a carpet to get it clean... but vacuum on an A/C system has nothing to do with cleaning it. It only removes the air and moisture.

Now, not trying to get too technical here, but try asking a group of A/C techs a simple basic diagnosis question. The one I like the most is to have them explain what happens to the gauge readings when the A/C system develops a restriction at the expansion valve or orifice tube? Do the pressures go up or do they go down? This causes a lot of debate and poking around the issue, but rarely does the group come up with the proper answer. Usually only a select few get the answer right the first time. Technically, the restriction stops the flow or refrigerant. After a few minutes of operating the A/C system, it causes both the high and low side pressures to drop below their expected normal readings. In short, because the restriction caused the flow to stop, the compressor no longer has any refrigerant to pump so it can not create any high pressures. The restriction simply leads to lower pressure readings all the way around. This particular topic causes a lot of debate. During the debate, a lot of comparisons are conjured up like the comparison between the A/C system pressures and pumping up a tire with air. From that point, the discussion can go in any direction and it usually does. The truth of the matter is that it proves the majority of A/C service techs really do not understand the workings of the system.

So if you can’t deal with or understand the basics, how about tossing in a few terms borrowed from rocket science 101? In all the troubleshooting, diagnosis, help calls and guidance I have supplied over the years, never, ever have I had to get involved with “high end” complicated terms like “thermodynamics” (the physics that deals with relationships and conversions between heat and other forms of energy). Yet fancy terms like this get tossed into sales literature all day long, leading the A/C service technician up a road that leads nowhere. If you want to talk about terms, how about explaining “superheat”? I know it’s boring. It can also be a long winded explanation. But the truth of the matter is that until the A/C tech really understands superheat and how it effects the operation of an A/C system, he really can’t perform accurate diagnosis (without just replacing a bunch of parts, good or bad) or answer any other questions about the system performance.

While we’re on the topic of superheat, do you realize that once understanding how a superheat condition effects the operation and performance of an A/C system, the average diagnosis job can be completed with a simple set of pressure gauges and the ability to touch and feel the operating temperatures of the system? Sounds too simple, right? I know it doesn’t involve and fancy electronic testers or gadgets with all the bells and whistles, but it works. And what is really funny is that it works all the time!

The sad truth is that even today, the stories go on and on. It’s almost becoming laughable. So what happened to all the training and education? Where is it going? I defy any instructor to advertise a basic air conditioning course and get techs enrolled. It’s just not going to happen. Nobody needs the basic training, right? After all, with all new vehicle applications equipped with computers, electronic gadgets and switches, the average tech figures that he’s “gotta dig right into that computer and fix those problems.” I am not disputing that there are problems in the electronic controls, but the simple fact of the matter is that so many so called professional A/C techs seem to have graduated past ‘sandbox’ and have gone straight to the professional ranks in one giant leap, forgetting (or not ever learning) all the basics. The other fact of the matter is that it’s truly scary.

These comments are only some of the more memorable ones. The truth is that there are literally hundreds. Have you ever explained the difference between three ring barbed fittings and barrier hose fittings to a tech who is bent on mixing the technologies. The rule is that three ring barbed fittings do not work properly with the nylon inner core of the barrier hose. Therefore, the proper solution is to use bead lock style fittings. Explain that to a tech who has a three ring barb fitting in one hand and barrier hose in the other. The answer is usually something like “yeah, but they work. I do it all the time!”. I still can’t tell you if that decision is driven by ignorance or the difference in cost.

What about UV dyes? If some is good.. a whole lot ought to get that leak to just jump out! What about any product that is packaged with instructions? Have you ever quizzed a tech about the instructions? In most cases, you don’t have to quiz them. All you have to do is wait for the phone to ring. Just by the comments and questions you quickly understand that the instructions never ever entered into the installation processes. After all, when a tech admits that they tried it “every which way”, you know they’ve been fighting with it for a while and the phone call was the last resort.

Now, if you’re looking for a fresh change to all of this, consider reading some of the internet A/C help and discussion boards. It’s amazing that the do-it-yourselfer takes the time to ask a question. You all know there is no such thing as a stupid question, right? Well, what is really amazing is that the DIY’ers don’t ask stupid questions, they ask good questions. Then, to top it all off, they take the time to understand the system and make every attempt to follow the instruction provided and to complete the job properly. The only upsetting comments they ever make are the tell tale stories about some shop who wanted to charge some outrageous amount to basically replace the entire system. So if the average DIY’er takes the time to get the education, why don’t the professionals?

This isn’t about slamming the good guys. There are lots of them out there and they really do a great job. Unfortunately, they seem to be far outnumbered by those who think they’re doing a great job.. as they cross their fingers hoping that one doesn’t come back. This isn’t about debating products or debating whether or not UV dyes should or shouldn’t be used. This issue has nothing to do with products. It has everything to do with education, specially since it’s been a so called main stay of the industry for decades. This is just an open question asking where all the training and education has gone? There is no doubt that countless courses have been delivered by well educated and well meaning instructors who really know there stuff. The industry has no shortage of information being published both in print and on the internet. So where are things going wrong? Why do the same questions keep coming up? Where did all the training go?

Copyright 2005 - autoACsystems.com - eZine - Keepin'Cool
Comments and details supplied by Keep-it-kool.com

NAVIGATION

Index (Top)

	Or use the 'pull out' menu on the left (Just mouse over the "MENU" Tab"

Are you ready for summer 2005?

It's that same time of year when you start thinking about the hot, humid and sticky days of summer and start checking to be sure you're ready for the season. After all, when the season hits, there isn't usually enough time to think... never mind thinking about getting ready.

A good practice would be to get organized now before the season really hits! A good place to start is with a simple check list so that you're sure you don't get caught off guard. So in order to help out, Tom Greenleaf was kind enough to share his years of professional experience with us. Here's the items that Tom suggests! :

*	Gauges, tools and equipment:
	Do you have all the proper couplers you will need? Are your hoses in good shape? Have you calibrated your gauges? What about your hand tools and coupler tools? Make sure you have everything you will need... and check out the COOL ZONE for great deals on what you may be missing!
*	Vacuum pump and vacuum pump oil:
	Although vacuum pumps really are part of your equipment, they deserve their own section. All too often vacuum pumps go without oil changes or any maintenance. Get your owner's manual out and be sure you have vacuum pump oil on hand!
*	Now check your gauges with your vacuum pump:
	Now that you've got your gauges and vacuum pump ready to go.. try a little test run. Connect your gauges to your pump and leak test your gauges. Be sure they hold a vacuum and double check the calibration. That way, should a problem arise during a job.. you will know it's not your equipment causing the problem!
*	Recovery / Recycling Station - Operation and filters:
	Just like your vacuum pump.. this equipment requires regular service and maintenance. Get the owner's manuals out now and be sure you have completed all the maintenance requirements and filter changes now!
*	Batteries... batteries.. batteries:
	We all love the convenience of battery operated equipment; Leak detectors and UV lights are made so easy to use... when you have fully charged batteries! Stock up and don't get caught without "power"!
*	O-Ring - Gaskets - And all those small parts:
	Check your inventory now! There is absolutely nothing worse than getting stuck for an o-ring, gasket, sealing washer or special shim or nut when the season starts. e a

We hope this quick check list of tips helps you prepare for the summer season and don't forget that if you run into problems or questions, you can always post those at the A/C Help and Discussion Board at the COOL ZONE! Register now and get instant access to your own private message box! It's all available no charge from autoACsystems.com!

NAVIGATION

Index (Top)

	Or use the 'pull out' menu on the left (Just mouse over the "MENU" Tab"