quick a/c help needed
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quick a/c help needed
Hey all, as some know I am trying to fix the ac on my '93 econoline (4.9, dealer installed a/c, no aux heat/ac). Anyway, I am in the process of installing the new compressor as we speak.
My question is, I removed the plug and dumped the oil out of the compressor. I am at 5oz+ that has come out so far. I was under the understanding that 5oz is what the entire system takes? So should I just put it all back, install it, and call it good? I have flushed the entire system and am using a new accumulator/dryer, condenser, etc. so there should be no oil in the system at all. Or should I put 3oz back in compressor, 1oz in dryer, and 1 oz in condenser? Thanks
Brew
My question is, I removed the plug and dumped the oil out of the compressor. I am at 5oz+ that has come out so far. I was under the understanding that 5oz is what the entire system takes? So should I just put it all back, install it, and call it good? I have flushed the entire system and am using a new accumulator/dryer, condenser, etc. so there should be no oil in the system at all. Or should I put 3oz back in compressor, 1oz in dryer, and 1 oz in condenser? Thanks
Brew
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 711
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From: Outside of Memphis, TN
Since the system is squeaky clean, it all goes back in. Spin the pump (remember, the clutch wont be engaged, spin the middle of the pulley) to get the rest out. The pump will push the oil around, and shouldn't run dry since its charging the system. You might find up to 7 ounces, which shouldnt cause any trouble as far as I know.
Added: Consider replacing the O-Rings and you might want to pull vacuum. You seem dead set on doing it right, and pulling vac ensure the system is properly void of air before charging, increasing lifespan and cooling efficiency quite a bit. I have heard claims that R134A charge should be about 75-90% of the original R12 charge. Autozone charges 180 here to rent their big momma pump, and its not hard to use. I pulled vac for 30 minutes to make sure i was solvent and air free.
Added: Consider replacing the O-Rings and you might want to pull vacuum. You seem dead set on doing it right, and pulling vac ensure the system is properly void of air before charging, increasing lifespan and cooling efficiency quite a bit. I have heard claims that R134A charge should be about 75-90% of the original R12 charge. Autozone charges 180 here to rent their big momma pump, and its not hard to use. I pulled vac for 30 minutes to make sure i was solvent and air free.
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Ok, here is what I did. let me know if I am going to blow up (or if I should redo something that I did wrong)
1. Replaced accumulator/drier, condenser, compressor, orifice tube
2. Flushed lines (none of the above)
3. I drained the new compressor and came up with 6oz
4. I put about 4 oz back in to compressor (same stuff as I took out) and spun the clutch with a spanner wrench for about 10 turns.
5. put rest of oil in to condenser and dryer (not much in to dryer)
6. installed compressor
7. replaced most of the o-rings (ones I had sizes for)
8. put my vacuum pump on system for about 1/2 hour
9. turn off pump and left for about 15 minutes and seemed to hold
10. put in about 2.5 12oz cans of refrigerant.
System seems to work ok, when I use a temp gauge on the vents, I am getting about 37-40*F readings. It is about 65* out right now.
I do have one concern though, on my gauges, I am getting somewhere around 45 psi on the low side, and 210 on the high side. This seems pretty high, and has me concerned. IIRC, the high side kinda jumped up after a slow start. This has me wondering if something is blocked? Thanks,
Brew
1. Replaced accumulator/drier, condenser, compressor, orifice tube
2. Flushed lines (none of the above)
3. I drained the new compressor and came up with 6oz
4. I put about 4 oz back in to compressor (same stuff as I took out) and spun the clutch with a spanner wrench for about 10 turns.
5. put rest of oil in to condenser and dryer (not much in to dryer)
6. installed compressor
7. replaced most of the o-rings (ones I had sizes for)
8. put my vacuum pump on system for about 1/2 hour
9. turn off pump and left for about 15 minutes and seemed to hold
10. put in about 2.5 12oz cans of refrigerant.
System seems to work ok, when I use a temp gauge on the vents, I am getting about 37-40*F readings. It is about 65* out right now.
I do have one concern though, on my gauges, I am getting somewhere around 45 psi on the low side, and 210 on the high side. This seems pretty high, and has me concerned. IIRC, the high side kinda jumped up after a slow start. This has me wondering if something is blocked? Thanks,
Brew
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 711
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From: Outside of Memphis, TN
Looks good. 45 low 210 high seems okay. Your compressor seems to not be at 100% You are not getting any belt slipping right? Is the clutch on the compressor slipping (hear any grinding or sliding sound?). If not, it may just be an artifact of the compressor since its a conversion, and those numbers in a production 134 system wouldn't really alarm me. If you had a blockage you would see ~300 high and ~0-10 low. My van is also a bit slow on the start, depending on outside temps. I don't know how big your aftermarket condenser is, so I can't tell how large your charge should be. 37-40F on the vents is perfectly functioning. Any colder and i would be worried about icing on the evap/condenser.
Edit to add: If you had a slight blockage, the high side would be very high. 210 is actually just a hair low, but perfectly serviceable. If you give it a bit of throttle and hold it at high idle, and get 30-ish and 220-ish you are golden.
Edit to add: If you had a slight blockage, the high side would be very high. 210 is actually just a hair low, but perfectly serviceable. If you give it a bit of throttle and hold it at high idle, and get 30-ish and 220-ish you are golden.
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I don't believe it is slipping, everything sounds good, if anything it was a little quieter than I expected.
the compressor is listed as an r134a compressor, so not really much of a conversion I don't think. The condenser was about 1.5 times the size of the original too. (got a factory one vs. dealer installed I had)
I actually thought I remembered the high side should be in the 150 range, that is why I quit adding more freon. the sticker said 2.4 pounds of r12, I think I put in about 28oz of 134 so it could probably take a little more.
BUT, I just jumped in to it to take it for a spin and the compressor was kicking in and out, so I must have a small leak somewhere. I will have to throw the gauges back on tomorrow and see what they say. Maybe one more can will get me in the high side range, and keep the compressor on.
I did have a custom hose made since the condensers weren't the same. He re-used one end from a hose I got from the junk yard. I was messing around with that hose to try and get a "pattern" for the new hose (before I knew he was going to re-use that end) and possibly bent it a little in the vise. that will be my first check I think.
Thanks for the help.
Brew
the compressor is listed as an r134a compressor, so not really much of a conversion I don't think. The condenser was about 1.5 times the size of the original too. (got a factory one vs. dealer installed I had)
I actually thought I remembered the high side should be in the 150 range, that is why I quit adding more freon. the sticker said 2.4 pounds of r12, I think I put in about 28oz of 134 so it could probably take a little more.
BUT, I just jumped in to it to take it for a spin and the compressor was kicking in and out, so I must have a small leak somewhere. I will have to throw the gauges back on tomorrow and see what they say. Maybe one more can will get me in the high side range, and keep the compressor on.
I did have a custom hose made since the condensers weren't the same. He re-used one end from a hose I got from the junk yard. I was messing around with that hose to try and get a "pattern" for the new hose (before I knew he was going to re-use that end) and possibly bent it a little in the vise. that will be my first check I think.
Thanks for the help.
Brew
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 711
Likes: 2
From: Outside of Memphis, TN
I don't believe it is slipping, everything sounds good, if anything it was a little quieter than I expected.
the compressor is listed as an r134a compressor, so not really much of a conversion I don't think. The condenser was about 1.5 times the size of the original too. (got a factory one vs. dealer installed I had)
I actually thought I remembered the high side should be in the 150 range, that is why I quit adding more freon. the sticker said 2.4 pounds of r12, I think I put in about 28oz of 134 so it could probably take a little more.
BUT, I just jumped in to it to take it for a spin and the compressor was kicking in and out, so I must have a small leak somewhere. I will have to throw the gauges back on tomorrow and see what they say. Maybe one more can will get me in the high side range, and keep the compressor on.
I did have a custom hose made since the condensers weren't the same. He re-used one end from a hose I got from the junk yard. I was messing around with that hose to try and get a "pattern" for the new hose (before I knew he was going to re-use that end) and possibly bent it a little in the vise. that will be my first check I think.
Thanks for the help.
Brew
the compressor is listed as an r134a compressor, so not really much of a conversion I don't think. The condenser was about 1.5 times the size of the original too. (got a factory one vs. dealer installed I had)
I actually thought I remembered the high side should be in the 150 range, that is why I quit adding more freon. the sticker said 2.4 pounds of r12, I think I put in about 28oz of 134 so it could probably take a little more.
BUT, I just jumped in to it to take it for a spin and the compressor was kicking in and out, so I must have a small leak somewhere. I will have to throw the gauges back on tomorrow and see what they say. Maybe one more can will get me in the high side range, and keep the compressor on.
I did have a custom hose made since the condensers weren't the same. He re-used one end from a hose I got from the junk yard. I was messing around with that hose to try and get a "pattern" for the new hose (before I knew he was going to re-use that end) and possibly bent it a little in the vise. that will be my first check I think.
Thanks for the help.
Brew
It should kick in and out to prevent freezing if its working properly. Check PSI, if good, don't sweat it until a hot day.
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