1982-AC Compressor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle New York
1982-AC Compressor
Hello,
I have an 82 vette. The pressure relief valve on the AC compressor released an excess amount of refridgerant all over the engine. Evidently my mechanic put in too much R-134A (over 4 pounds). I am now told by a new mechanic that I need a new compressor. Is this true? Thank you.
I have an 82 vette. The pressure relief valve on the AC compressor released an excess amount of refridgerant all over the engine. Evidently my mechanic put in too much R-134A (over 4 pounds). I am now told by a new mechanic that I need a new compressor. Is this true? Thank you.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle New York
ok -here is an update on my situation. I am pulling 300psi on the high side so I am told that I have a restriction in the system. But do I have to change the compressor, drier/receiver and orifice and then flush the entire system? Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Well I guess with 300, your compressor is ok then.
You need to know the low side pressure as well to acurately diagnose it.
Could be as simple as a dirty condenser or a bad fan clutch causing lack of air flow. Have him mist water over the condenser and read the pressures.
Is this a 2nd mechanic?
My experience with northern a/c mechanics usually isn't great. They really don't get nearly the experience with a/c as we do down here. Mechanic is blowing smoke so far. Find another that specializes in a/c. The cooler the ambient is, the less accurate the charging is. Sounds like that's what happened the first time.
You need to know the low side pressure as well to acurately diagnose it.
Could be as simple as a dirty condenser or a bad fan clutch causing lack of air flow. Have him mist water over the condenser and read the pressures.
Is this a 2nd mechanic?
My experience with northern a/c mechanics usually isn't great. They really don't get nearly the experience with a/c as we do down here. Mechanic is blowing smoke so far. Find another that specializes in a/c. The cooler the ambient is, the less accurate the charging is. Sounds like that's what happened the first time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: New Rochelle New York
Not only is the reading 300 psi on the high side, but the temperature I measured coming out of the vents is close to 32 degrees. I noticed the compressor shuts off when the temp reaches this mark. Furthermore, the line (high pressure) between the compressor and drier/receiver is just about iceing up. Any thoughts? Thank you
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Not only is the reading 300 psi on the high side, but the temperature I measured coming out of the vents is close to 32 degrees. I noticed the compressor shuts off when the temp reaches this mark. Furthermore, the line (high pressure) between the compressor and drier/receiver is just about iceing up. Any thoughts? Thank you
I suspect your testing method giving you misleading results.
So again, what were the other conditions, the low side pressures, engine rpms, ambient temp, a/c control settings, door window and hood positions, shade or full sun. Preferrably pressures at idle and and 2000 rpm.
What temp does the line feel like just before the oriface tube?
Without the info, you will get a whole spectum of possibilities, some of which may be correct, but it will be guesswork and you are the one footing the bill.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
That is the compressor suction line (low pressure), not high pressure and 300 is well within the parameters under certain conditions for 134. Your description of the system operation is ideal, if it was anything other than an 82 c3. Evaporators are supposed to operate at 32° for optimal results.
I suspect your testing method giving you misleading results.
So again, what were the other conditions, the low side pressures, engine rpms, ambient temp, a/c control settings, door window and hood positions, shade or full sun. Preferrably pressures at idle and and 2000 rpm.
What temp does the line feel like just before the oriface tube?
Without the info, you will get a whole spectum of possibilities, some of which may be correct, but it will be guesswork and you are the one footing the bill.
I suspect your testing method giving you misleading results.
So again, what were the other conditions, the low side pressures, engine rpms, ambient temp, a/c control settings, door window and hood positions, shade or full sun. Preferrably pressures at idle and and 2000 rpm.
What temp does the line feel like just before the oriface tube?
Without the info, you will get a whole spectum of possibilities, some of which may be correct, but it will be guesswork and you are the one footing the bill.
too high high side pressure. As noonie stated most bad compressors will not pump up to 300lbs. of pressure. Air flow across evaporator prevents freezing of evaporator which is connected to the line you reported as being almost freezing. Hope this helps you repost with futher observations. mike...
Last edited by mds3013; May 29, 2010 at 10:21 AM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: west central INDIANA
I did a lot of AC work, in the late 70s and 80s. Most of it was on GMs fixed oriface tube design. A rule of thumb back then, was to charge the system slowly and keep an eye on the evaporator. Watch for the frost to occur, but when the frost just starts to disappear you are Full. 95% of the time this held true. If you have 32 degrees at a vent temp. you do not have a restriction.
