Another A/C thing
 

So... a/c has been dry for years now...

not too sure what works and what doesnt....

found a refill kit at partssource that has a leak test and a the gas i need to make the system work without changing to R134

What, other than the gas to fill the system, could i be into?

how do i find out if the compressor is good still? do they die if they sit for too long? Its like 40 out today.. i hate sticking to my seats....

what parts usually go over time from no use?

Please help.. its hot.. and humid and just down right gross here right now!!! Dont want to go to a mechanic..cuz.. its just gonna end up i need the flux capacitor valve or something (back to the future LOL) i dont know the a/c system at all... and id ont want it to cost me like 500 dollars

thanks

*Sometimes* the compressor seals will dry out if it hasn't been run in a few years. However, I have seen compressors that have sat without running for 6-7 years, that once the leaking o-ring was replaced and the systems re-charged ran just fine.

You can test the compressor by using a jumper wire from the "+" battery terminal to the compressor clutch lead (just long enough to make sure the clutch engages, if you run it for longer than a couple of seconds you can damage the compressor)

If the clutch engages, charge the system (with the car running and A/C turned on) Once there is 20psi of charge on the low side of the compressor, the clutch will kick in. If it doesn't you may have a bad low pressure switch. If it does start it may "short cycle" as the compressor moves refrigerant to the high pressure side, thus dropping the low side and the low pressure switch, this is ok for now, as when the comp. stops the low side pressure will return to an ok level and it will short cycle again.

Now is a good time to check for leaks!! This way you don't waste a FULL charge just to find a bad o-ring or the sort then have to lose it all just to replace the bad part. Once you have replaced any leaking o-rings, charge the system fully and enjoy!

Hope it helps.
-Nick

Really should pull a vacuum on it to get the air out before running the freon in - also checks for leakage

what about a "stop leak" thing...

waht i mean is.. i found a kit at partsource that is the r12a and the hoses to fill..but includes a stopleak..that you put in first and then it fixes all problems... then fill gas...

anyone have experience with this...

My car was in storage for 8 years and the A/C system was bone dry. I had is serviced and all they did was fill the system (they may have also put in a/c oil but I'm not sure).

The system has worked perfectly for 6 months now.

p.s. the compressor will not work if the system is empty (this is a safety feature).

Thanks guys...

I'm gonna go tomorrow hopefully to get the kit.. recharge the system and hope for the best.. they say you can do this in a friggin driveway or (as most people do on a hot day) in the parking lot of the store...

so... we'll see.. ill post back tomorrow.. and let you all know! ?

Thanks a lot!

Aufenbahn is correct if the system is @ atmosphere. When the compressor is running there is between 220-300psi on the high side with 30-60psi on the low side. Usually, when a system "goes flat" there is still a little pressure in the lines, which keeps air from getting in the system. If any of the fittings are opened (to replace an o-ring, etc), then you will get air and water vapor in the lines. It will work if recharged, but not as well as it could. Pulling a 15" vacuum on the system for about half an hour will pull out most of the air and water. There will always be some air and wv in there, as it would take a "hard vacuum" and a really good pump to pull all the water vapor out.

let us know how it goes.
-Nick

Umm.. im looking to get the A/C done tonight... two questions now..

i have the R12a to put in to the system..plus a can of stop leak....

how much would the original system have taken... of the original r12?

because the charts i have have oz and grams of gas... and it equates to the amount of a can i have of the new gas...but i havent the slightest clue what it originally would have taken... I dont have a pressure gague either.

plus .. is the low side on the fender near the strut mount?

thanks

Had mine charged two weeks ago. Hadn't been on three years before that. Works great now, no leaks and it's ICE cold.

One of the better A/C systems I've ever used. I was pleasantly surprised!

Just got my refurbished compressor and new o-rings.

How do I do that?

F*CK this ... i just tried it.. i found the low pressure one..and went to refill the system.. the G*D damn hose system that came with the kit blew up in my face... tried to salvage it with my hands and stop the pressure... didnt work... got high in the process.... hands sting a little....

Once again... people walking by... always when im being a tool... people are watching.!!!!!

Im going to return the remains of the system tomorrow for an expected full refund.... and .. go to a bloody shop... so they can charge me for the flux capacitor that needs to be replaced or something....

YAY TODAY!!!!

Need a vacuum pump and a set of gages