Car's been in storage for a year, after daughter had used it to get her through senior year; now it's son's turn.

When the shop evacuated and opened up the a/c system to try to get it working again, they commented on "goo" and gold flake/metallic substance being released. The manager (a most reputable shop) says he never seen this before after many years in the business.

The compressor (rotary style, original, 257K miles) still pumps. Replacing the reciever-drier and the stuck expansion valve after a complete and lengthy vacuuming hasn't helped.

The a/c shop says it now believes that the system is totally "gummed up" and vacuuming isn't going to help it. Likely, all the major a/c components need to be replaced, to start fresh.

Looks like I'll be visiting the local pick n pull for a donor car to totally swap out the components. Yes, a major project; and buying another car may be an alternative, you say.

Except the car is otherwise "cherry", well cared for and has sentimental value, being in family since new. And son thinks the wagon is very cool around the beach...

What caused this a/c malady? Is the compressor slowly self-destructing (although still pumping)? Could something like stop leak have been introduced into system by a fly by night shop (I need to ask daughter, haven't yet).

Thanks for any comments!

Robert