Please give opinion about my A/C, again.

rnln · 07-20-2007, 12:21 PM

To make the whole story short, last year the tech pump some freeze 12 in my system. It was cold for around 3 weeks. I went back, he pump another can of freeze 12. It was cold for another week. I decided to forget it until couple months ago.

Couple months ago, I brought the car to another reputable tech and he tested the system for leak using the "pressure" method. Basically, vaccumned all whatever left in there and pumped some pressure in, left it for a while to see if the pressure come down. He decided there was "no leak". So I bought a new dryer, with a glass window. He pumped 134 with the correct oil in there. I uesed the A/C several times and I did get cold air. I was happy but only around 10 times or less. I have not driven the car much lately, therefore I only use the A/C only proximately 10 times max. Now my A/C acts as a fan, not cold at all.

Anyone can see what I have not done regarding testing the system? Is there a leak that "pressure test method" can not see?
Thanks in advance.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Beyond the pressure test there are a few ways. Most AC shops, or most shops for that matter have a freon sniffer. The sniffers are very accurate in finding the smallest leaks.

One other method, and more for the home mechanic, is to look for fresh oil on the components. For instance, fresh oil on the bottom of the compressor is usually a shaft seal issue. Oil at hose connections can be bad o-rings, things of that nature.

rnln · 07-20-2007, 07:42 PM

"oil"? Does it look like normal oil or just wet? I looked around many times and can't see any oil beside wet. After AC on for a while, I can see the L shape metal connectors on the passenger side of the conpressor is totally wet. The tech said that is normal.
After a drive, I can also see "water" drops on the floor comming from around the middle of the dash area, above the front cross member. He said that also normal as any car.
The only place I have not checked is the vapor (is it how it called?) in the front trunk, under the dash.

Hugh R · 09:01 PM

You need to use the search button. Wet, as in water is just condensate, from the A/C lines and under the car. You cool down air and moisture drops out of the air. If your not holding freon, you have a leak. Check under the rear deck lid, do you see oil where the magnetic clutch (the belt) is located. If so your leaking oil and freon, also, you have R-12 hoses that may leak over time from many places. The hoses themselves, the evaporator, the condensor. Have your tech inject a dye and use a UV light to look for leaks. Also you said a R/D with a glass window, that to me sounds like a R-12 unit, not a R134a R/D very different moisture adsorbents inside them. Do a search on Jim Sims and you'll find a wealth of knowledge. He is the A/C GOD on this board.

slodave · slodave's Garage

Get rid of the A/C.

rnln · 07-22-2007, 10:37 PM

slodave,
I know it's a hassle and many people got rid of it. I thought about it but not until we can got rid of the CA summer heat

slodave · slodave's Garage

What heat? It's been very nice so far! The A/C never worked right while my dad owned the car. I rarely use A/C, so I ditched it. I hope you find the problem.

Dave

rnln · 07-22-2007, 11:08 PM

well, it is nice if you drive in the morning and evening. If you take the car our in the middle of noon, it is not wihout an AC.
No I didn't find the problem yet. I was so busy working on valve cover gasket, oil change, asjust valves, place plugs, etc. ready for a smog check... and still have not done yet. I can't believe just the plugs alone take so much of my time.