My r12/factory air conditioning was low so I charged it with some freeze 12 I was able to find then auto parts store. It was new old stock.

I don't have access to the high side port so I attempted to charge it with the low side gauge only.

The compressor kicked on eventually and cycled off realy quick. As I put more in it would cycle on longer. I eventually had it cycling on for a fair amount of time and then off for a short time. At this point when the compressor was running I was showing about 25psi and static pressure rose to about 48 psi when the compressor cycled off. At about 48psi the compressor turned on again.

I put about 36 oz of refrigerant in (3 cans). Was this too much? The system had pressure albeit low but it had pressure.

Did I not put enough in? If I overfilled it can I just "vent it". I know it's illegal to just vent it but for all intense and purposes is this doable?

Any help is much appreciated!

 

You should never just release Refrigerant R-12 ,It stays in the atmosphere for 100 years . If you need to let some out let a shop will Recover it . You said you were low and added 36 ounces. Your system should have about 2lbs. 12ounces = 44 ounces . If you were that low you have a leak and most likely have moisture that will cause problems ,you should evacuate the system. Just using a low pressure reading does not give you enough information to Diagnose many issues . The A/C pressure switch on the accumulator is cycling your compressor. You did not say,,, Is the air from your vents cold/warm? I will assume it's warm . That 25psi suction side reading with 36 ounce charge seems low. You don't know the high side psi so telling you will just be a guess. So mine is that you could have a blocked orifice tube? Or ???? bad compressor . High side and Low side pressure readings will tell you more about what the system is doing.

The advice I learned and give my son's " If you know how to do it ,then do it." " If not, find out how to do it." "And if you can't do either ,,,get someone who does know do it." That last step can save you a lot of money I hope this helps. '92

 

Thanks! That's actually great advice! I *thought* i knew how to do it and this is how i learn. by doing This is only my work truck and the air didn't work prior so i'm only out money if this didn't work.

The compressor is a little noiser than I would have thought. I'm kind of new to the ford scene (relatively speaking) but maybe this is the way they're designed that way?

If there was a leak why would there have been pressure on the system prior to me charging?

If i fixed the leak (properly evacuated the gas) pulled a vacuum, etc is there a direct replacement refrigerant YOU recommend? Can you use R22? I don't want to convert to 134a until I can afford to replace the condenser. The Environmental Specialties stuff I have found seems to propane in a labeled can (per google research i've done). I'm not crazy about explosives under pressure in cycling around the engine.

as far as letting some gas out. I know this is illegal and harmful to the environment. but regardless of the latter, can it be done? I mean can it be done to lower the pressure? I guess though if you think 28 psi is low then maybe it needs more refrigerant?

When the compressor is running, i get ICE cold air out of the vents. ICE cold. Colder than my brand new 2008 dodge... (not that has much comparison to Fords LOL). but the cycling tells me somethings up. I.e. the pressure isn't right.

Thanks Again,
Al

 

Compressor cycling (or not) can be completely normal. It all depends on the ambient environment and the load placed on the A/C.

 

I agree with you. That's how I learn too. The Last part of the " Do it advice " took my hard head some time to learn .


May or may not be going bad.

Leaking, O-rings, compressor clutch shaft seal or any connections leak over time show pressure loss. Complete failure blown hose's or any system part then will empty system.


Other than 134 or staying with R12 . I think the Freeze 12 that you chose, is one I would use.


I feel the same about this . I know it's not necessary , but depending on what's the main problem (say compressor is failing) it should at least be flushed out. On my 20 year old system I would change it along with the accumulator and orifice tube.


I hear you. There are too many pros and con's on this. For me to say anything else other than for now I agree with you.



If your asking me to say it's ok. I will stick with my answer. 1st for the environment, 2nd The Fine for doing this if you get caught is very expensive.


I thought you said 25lbs. But the amount you put in 36 oz. is almost the full empty system charge . What else is going on? Add more to the system? Not without high side reading.


I have heard this about Freeze 12

Agreed but that's why it's better to have you gauges read both sides of the system to help you with your particular problem. Ie. Low charge ,blocked orifice tube , bad pressure switch, compressor starting to fail. ect.

Hope this helps you or some other guys chime in to help. I said this before Joe

Al, Your truck looks great . I think Ext. Cabs with long box of this gen.F150 are sharp. I used to Drive a Semi out of PHL and the Phila. Docks through South Jersey and up to JFK. I heard they got rid of the circles