AC problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 559
Likes: 17
From: Coppell TX
AC problem
background-
AC system was empty, I hooked a can of r134a up, and the compressor would not kick on (AC was on inside car). sometimes the lowpressure switch will not allow AC compressor to cycle when low, so I jumpered it. AC clutch works, and the compressor turn on. HOWEVER, no freon seems to being pumped in and as soon as I remove the jumper the clutch stops.
i could hear/feel the freon rushing in when I first hooked it up, but it didnt seem to get sucked in by the compressor..
AC system was empty, I hooked a can of r134a up, and the compressor would not kick on (AC was on inside car). sometimes the lowpressure switch will not allow AC compressor to cycle when low, so I jumpered it. AC clutch works, and the compressor turn on. HOWEVER, no freon seems to being pumped in and as soon as I remove the jumper the clutch stops.
i could hear/feel the freon rushing in when I first hooked it up, but it didnt seem to get sucked in by the compressor..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: AC problem (JordonMusser)
Could be a couple of things - compressor being shot is one of them; but you really need a vacuum to pull in the first can and to get all of the water/air out of the system (which is non condensable and is filling up space that needs to be occupied by the refrigerent). You might also check for leaks - the old stuff went somewhere and it's not going to create any suction unless it's sealed up tight.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Linton Indiana
Re: AC problem (SunCr)
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 559
Likes: 17
From: Coppell TX
Re: AC problem (SunCr)
I have never personally seen a compressor fail, and still turn (seemingly smooth) and the clutch engages, so thats why I didnt think that.. am I thinking right here?
The freon went into the atmosphere when I pulled the motor out, the system (seems to be) leak free.
i have charged probably 5+ fbody LT1 AC systems with out pulling a vaccum, and although I realize it is not optimum, I have found it seems to work...
The freon went into the atmosphere when I pulled the motor out, the system (seems to be) leak free.
i have charged probably 5+ fbody LT1 AC systems with out pulling a vaccum, and although I realize it is not optimum, I have found it seems to work...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Compressors can fail and still turn quite freely, but if it was working before you emptied it, it should still work now. If you reassembled everything without new seals, it's probably leaking somewhere. If you depress the low side schrader, does anything come out? Leaks, if not obvious, are best diagnosed with dye or an electronic tester.
If you didn't add any oil, there's a high probability that the compressor will fail. Leaving air/water in it produces less than optimum cooling and potentially raises operating pressures to levels that if the high pressure switch fails, it'll blow up. Moisture will also destroy the accumulator/drier and when it crumbles, it'll will plug up everything. In fact, it may have fallen apart allready - particularly if it wasn't sealed while it sat, another reason there might be no suction.
If you didn't add any oil, there's a high probability that the compressor will fail. Leaving air/water in it produces less than optimum cooling and potentially raises operating pressures to levels that if the high pressure switch fails, it'll blow up. Moisture will also destroy the accumulator/drier and when it crumbles, it'll will plug up everything. In fact, it may have fallen apart allready - particularly if it wasn't sealed while it sat, another reason there might be no suction.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
If you lost the complete charge, don't run the compressor. You can destroy the pump without the refrigerant and oil. Compressor runs about $500.00 Often, a complete loss of charge is due to something hitting the condenser and causing a hole. If you added gas, and the hole is there, you may be able to hear it leaking out. Sound like a visit to the A/C shop.