A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Topic: A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't... (Read 1261 times) previous topic - next topic

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

June 02, 2006, 06:37:23 PM

Ok, so I was charging my A/C, I got about 70% done (compressor was kicking on and off, for longer and longer amounts of time) but then one of the lines on the condensor popped off (yeah, I know... my bad). So I fixed that...

So anyway, the system mostly bled out, but then I noticed the pressure switch on the Evap Can was leaking... So I pulled the plug on it, tightened it up and plugged it back in. I started the car back up and charged again for about 30 seconds, til my gauge read aronnd 50 psi (full according to my gauge). But strangely, I noticed the compressor was no longer kicking on. So I shut the car off again, and started it back up... The gauge still reads full on the low side, but the compressor still won't kick on... Any ideas?

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #1 – June 02, 2006, 08:17:44 PM

Yeah, you're pretty much screwed....

In all seriousness though, you did have the Air Conditioning ON the second time around right? Also, how much escaped when this popping off occured?

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #2 – June 02, 2006, 09:11:17 PM

LOL, ok, well, I let it sit for an hour, went back out, and now it's kicking on again. But it still says the system is full, so I can't add anymore to try and get the compressor to kick on, can I?

Here's what happens: I run the car. Every few seconds the compressor kicks on. The pressure gauge on the a/c line drops from about 50 psi, way down into the green (maybe around 5-10 psi) then the compressor kicks off and the gauge goes back to 50...

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #3 – June 02, 2006, 09:53:51 PM

Sounds like the orifice tube is partially plugged. Have you checked the high side pressure? If the orifice tube it partially plugged it would build up to much pressure and blow a hose off. Might as well say the orifice tube is the liquid/Air filter of the interlnal A/c system. The compressor my have some worn parts that clogged it up or maybe some rust flakes or desicant pieces from the reciever dryer. Anyhow I say you need to take it apart and investigate. Atleast take out the orifice tube and check that. Flush everything and get a new orifice tube. If you are useing R134a get the auto adjusting R134a version. That will help even with a R12 condesonr. Much colder when moving slowly than with the R12 version. From what I know the orifice tube is in the metal part of the line that is shaped like a Z almost but the angles are both 90*. there should be an indent where the tube is located. You'll have to cut the metal collar off to slide the rubber line off the metal one to get to the orifice tube to remove it. Then instal the new after you flush the line. Then it would be best to have a new collar pressed on there. They do make these chessy ass hose clamps with this line spacer on it to make it clap at the right spot. From what I've read they seem to leak. hopes this helps

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #4 – June 02, 2006, 11:23:53 PM

I'm not so sure. All the plumbing as well as the condenser and receiver drier are BRAND NEW. The only thing that was reused on the system is the compressor (which was out of the car for about 1 year, but taped up and not turned over) and the evaporator... I guess something could have gotten into the system and clogged it, but I don't think it's very likely...

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #5 – June 03, 2006, 07:18:12 PM

I always thought the static pressure(not running) with the engine/compressor hot was in the 70/80 psi range(but I'm thinking R12)... Anyway, low side pressure should be higher than 5-10 psi running(what's the high side doing ?? IF it ain't hitting 150-175 psi you don't have enough refergerant... Sounds to me like its way under charged...

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #6 – June 03, 2006, 08:04:20 PM

So, you blew out all of the refrigerant and some oil. How much did you add the second time?

Your symptoms are most likely (as has been said) a low charge or clog on the low side. Are you charging with R-134a+oil+stop leak+pixie dust?

Without the high side pressures, you can't do much troubleshooting.

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #7 – June 03, 2006, 08:05:52 PM

Yeah, that is the proper R12 level, 50 is about right for 134a (or so I have read).

I actually haven't checked the high side. Idk if I have the right fitting with my kit. I'll try to throw the gauge on there. If the high side is reading lower pressure, but the low side is reading correct pressure, can I do harm by charging it more? I guess not, right? Cause that 50 psi I'm talking about should be when the compressor is running... I'm seeing that when it kicks OFF... Or maybe I should see that either way...?

A/C charged - compressor worked wihile charging, now doesn't...

Reply #8 – June 03, 2006, 08:10:53 PM

Oh Jeremy, I missed your post. But it got me thinking. I didn't add hardly anything after that line between the condenser and the evaporator popped off. Perhaps there is a clog! It seems as though the system retained pressure on the low side.

Ok, so, the line popped off on the condenser side of the Orifice tube. It did leak a lot there, but since I didn't have to add hardly anything after reconnecting that line, that would show that the refrgerant was blocked somewhere after the evaperator (orifice tube I guess), and was kept from escaping... hmm, i hate to start chopping up a brand new line to check the tube. Any other ideas or solutions to fix a potential blockage?

Also, I charged with oil, no stop leak though. But most parts are brand new, and I haven't detected any leaks yet...