AC compressor ticking madly, thinking about adding R134

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Aug 17, 2008 | 01:47 PM

red97vette

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Melting Slicks

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From: Atlanta GA

AC compressor ticking madly, thinking about adding R134

My AC compressor has been ticking for a while now, and pretty loudly at that. A friend (who is also a mechanic) recommended adding R134 to the system. He gave me the special cable to attach the can to to add the 134. He said that it also has a lubricant in it that will help aid in the compressor not ticking as badly and extending the life of the compressor. Has anyone here done that before? I was thinking about adding 1lb of the R134 stuff.

thanks!
Red

Aug 17, 2008 | 02:46 PM

Blue 92

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Quote:

Originally Posted by red97vette

Most auto parts sell R134 in a refill bottle that includes a gauge. You want to make sure you do not over pressurize the system. That is also bad.

Aug 17, 2008 | 02:50 PM

rbrtclk

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I think the whole system only holds 1 3/4 pounds when empty. Do not overcharge. I recommend that you add the small can with the PAG oil in it first and then charge to full.

Aug 17, 2008 | 02:55 PM

FourG63 97GST

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From: South Florida FL

don't want to over pressurize an a/c system. little error can be an expensive repair. is the system not cold? if so, then its leaking somewhere. 1lb is just going to bandaid that problem.
only thing that would tick on an a/c system is the compressor, yea it can possibly tick if its low on oil, which also means it would be low on freon because its leaking somewhere, therefore it wont be cold. your a/c clutch can be coming apart or engaging and disengaging from being low in freon.
have a look an see if that's the case

Aug 17, 2008 | 03:23 PM

red97vette

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Melting Slicks

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From: Atlanta GA

The AC system blows cold still, its all original stuff, ive never done anything to it...and its a 97 model. Ill try adding the PAG oil and hope that this helps the problem. Is there anything special i need to pay attention to when adding the PAG oil? and how much should I add?

Aug 20, 2008 | 05:50 PM

rbrtclk

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I suggest you add PAG oil in 1/2 oz increments, and let it work in and hear if there are any changes.If it does'nt clear up within three oz. You might have something else going on.

Aug 20, 2008 | 07:23 PM

MagneticRed1977

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From: Dayton Ohio

If it is still cold and it has the original evaporator in it, it doesn't need moreT oil. Excess oil pools in the bottom of the evaporator coil (thats the one inside the car). Sounds like you might have a bearing problem on the electric clutch on the compressor and it needs replacing.

Anyone who suggests adding oil or freon without putting a gage set on first is not too much of a mechanic. Theres always a ad in the paper from one of the tire dealers offering a ac checkup- some dealers also offer a special.

Aug 27, 2008 | 07:30 PM

red97vette

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Melting Slicks

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From: Atlanta GA

thanks for the comments Magnetic Red, i really hope its not the clutch! I got some PAG oil, NAPA sold PAG 46, PAG 150, and regular PAG. I just got the regular kind, i didnt know what the others were for.... is that the right choice?