Compressor clutch/low pressure switch question
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Compressor clutch/low pressure switch question
The air conditioner on my 1997 B4000 did not work when turned on for the first time in several months. I found that the compressor clutch was not engaging. Following the advice of several posts in this forum I jumpered the low pressure switch and the compressor clutch did engage but the compressor began to get very noisy after about 1 minute.
I understand that the reason why the low pressure switch was not closing may have been due to a low refrigerant level in the system. My question is - could the low refrigerant level have also been the cause for the noisy operation of the compressor or is there something more seriously wrong with the compressor?
I understand that the reason why the low pressure switch was not closing may have been due to a low refrigerant level in the system. My question is - could the low refrigerant level have also been the cause for the noisy operation of the compressor or is there something more seriously wrong with the compressor?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 916
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From: SouthWest Ohio
I'm not an expert on this, but I believe that the low pressure switch is supposed to shut the compressor down if the refrigerant..which carries the lubricating oil..becomes low so as not to damage the compressor. Maybe you have to give it a shot of oil?
Wish I could help you.
MR
Wish I could help you.
MR
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Thanks for the info. I kinda suspected that the reason for the compressor noise was a lack of lubrication. If the refrigerant lubricates the compressor, a low or non-existant refrigerant level would explain the noise.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,340
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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
Can you borrow a set of manifold guages? If so, throw 'em on there and see if it has lost its charge.
Just adding oil is probably not the answer as a system can be evacuated and still retain an adequate oil charge.
Just adding oil is probably not the answer as a system can be evacuated and still retain an adequate oil charge.
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