AC compressor doesn’t turn on
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 114
Ok. I’m not recharging it. I’m taking it to a shop for that. But I want to diagnose it which is why I need the gauges. I don’t trust shops. I’ve seen too many things of them pulling fuses or something and then saying they need a fuel pump. Things like that is why I want to diagnose it myself tell them double check my work and fix it. Then I’ll know what’s wrong, and if they’re trying to sell me stuff I don’t need.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
That's fine just educate yourself before doing it. You'll be glad you did. It is not hard to recharge it or evacuate it if you know what you are doing. I did all that on mine and it is working great. I read up a lot and took notes to refer to. Glad I did.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,172
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Is this r-134a? It looks like it’s got quick disconnect.
I’ve also hosed down the engine bay multiple times. And it’s coated in oil everywhere from a leak. Is this gonna affect me trying to use a UV light trying to find the leak. If there is a leak. Can I just put a can in for testing purposes? And then I’ll get it put to spec?
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 2,448
Yes. Those are for 134a.
No. Do not add a can for test purposes. Connect gauges to see what pressure in in the system.
No. Do not add a can for test purposes. Connect gauges to see what pressure in in the system.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2023
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this one said it’s for 134a
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
The R134a replacement ports are designed to thread into the line, not the hose service valves.
AC Machine and/or gauge fittings for R134a are quick connect only for securing the hose and line together and provide a seal when the valves are being opened. They still require turning (threading) the valve release to open the system for recovery/vacuum/recharging.
AC Machine and/or gauge fittings for R-12 do not use a quick connect design - they thread straight onto the valve using the external threads with what equates to a compression fitting for plumbing.
The adapter/conversion ports for R134a thread onto the original R-12 ports and are meant to be permanent. Any shop willing to comply with the law would put a new label on the truck (typically under the hood but could also have one in the glove box) noting the date and location of the switch along with the new charge level.
If there’s no such label on your truck, it’s not a stretch to think a PO installed the low side adapter and relied on the off-the-shelf cans to keep the system charged.
AC Machine and/or gauge fittings for R134a are quick connect only for securing the hose and line together and provide a seal when the valves are being opened. They still require turning (threading) the valve release to open the system for recovery/vacuum/recharging.
AC Machine and/or gauge fittings for R-12 do not use a quick connect design - they thread straight onto the valve using the external threads with what equates to a compression fitting for plumbing.
The adapter/conversion ports for R134a thread onto the original R-12 ports and are meant to be permanent. Any shop willing to comply with the law would put a new label on the truck (typically under the hood but could also have one in the glove box) noting the date and location of the switch along with the new charge level.
If there’s no such label on your truck, it’s not a stretch to think a PO installed the low side adapter and relied on the off-the-shelf cans to keep the system charged.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
I’ve never personally seen it, but I was taught that when R134a and R-12 mix they form a sludge of sorts. If that’s true then it seems to me if there was any R-12 still in the system the compressor would be locked up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
Most likely it’s R134a but the only way to be sure is to have it tested. Some shops have machines that will test the refrigerant before recovery. I don’t know if there’s any home tests available.
I’ve never personally seen it, but I was taught that when R134a and R-12 mix they form a sludge of sorts. If that’s true then it seems to me if there was any R-12 still in the system the compressor would be locked up.
I’ve never personally seen it, but I was taught that when R134a and R-12 mix they form a sludge of sorts. If that’s true then it seems to me if there was any R-12 still in the system the compressor would be locked up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
I have seen the “Black Death” but never heard it called that. Typically it’s due to excessive moisture in the system but I’m sure enough residual R-12 could cause it.