Thank you for your help.
The technician on my latest visit was able to rule out the blend door. He believes that I need a new expansion valve and evaporator core ($587).
It wasn't an overly warm day when I took it in.... it tested out as only 4 degree difference front/rear (62/58).
I did not have the work done yet due to cost/time and the fact that technically the vehicle does cool down and stay relatively comfortable... though not likely on a really hot day.
In the meantime I have wasted much time talking to the NAPA "Peace of Mind" waranty representative. The warranty only covers the compressor/dryer. I contend that the original guy should have flushed the system and that his failure to do so has led to a blockage of some sort.
When I spoke with the original guy, he said that because only the compressor clutch had gone bad, that there was no reason to believe the system was contaminated and therefore no need to back flush. Is that standard procedure?
Anyway, until I have the system opened up again, there is no way to know if there is metal from the bad compressor in it and therefore no way to get relief from the warranty.
Right now it appears that I have paid about $1250 for an air conditioner that sort of works. My guess is that the blockage will get worse and I will need to have it taken care of. Is it likely that whatever is causing the blockage will eventually lead to failure of the compressor? With my recent luck, I expect that to happen minutes after the 12mo/12000 mile "warranty" expires.
Again, thanks for everyone's help. Info from your posts have greatly helped me to speak semi-intelligently to mechanics and warranty reps.
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