First off, hello from Iowa. I am a first time poster and have found these forums most helpfull. However I have not found a post yet for the problem I am having with my A/C.

I recently replaced my A/C Compressor on my 95' F-150, 5.8L. Everything went fine until I tried to fill with r134a refigerant. I hooked up to fill on the only port that the refill hose would fit on and the pressure gauge read over 100psi, some where around 130 to 135 psi. It says on the directions that I need to consult a professional. Was wondering if it is an easy fix, did I miss something or do I need to pay an arm and a leg.

btw: I have not added any more than 1/13oz can.

 

Did you vacuum out the system first?

 

any chance you didnt take a plug out of the compressor? which side is reading high? high side (bigger service port) or low side (smaller service port) they should equal out with the engine off

 

when you hook the hose up to the low side port push down firmly on the connector to make sure the guage is actually reading the pressure.. and then stop buying those kits from wal-mart... just brake down and buy some real gauages if you are gonna work on it your self. you need to know the high side pressure just as much as the low side..

 

No I did not vacum the system first. I was had to change the compressor (and belts)in the parking lot bacause it was seized up. Bearing I'm sure. I went to local parts store that was luckily open on that Sunday. Did what I had to to get the truck home so my wife did not have to drive 150 miles to pick me up. I did not run AC on way home.

I did go out and buy a professional manifold gauge set. I am determined to figure this out.

The low side was reading 50 psi after attempting to add 1-13oz can of refigerant. So obviously the quick fill gauge was way off. btw the high side read 50psi as well those were both while the engine and A/C were running. Beginning to think that expansion valve or something else is bad.

I'll be honest....i knew nothing about a/c systems before I got started with this. But I had to get truck home.

 

you need to replace your orafice tube and accumulator everytime a compressor goes bad like that, all of the metal shavings in the system are caught by those parts, and if there not replaced you could kill another compressor. so replace both and flush the system if you plan to use ac again

 

Yeah, what he said. When a compressor lets go, it pukes chunks of aluminum out and those get stuck in the orifice tube screen. Replace the o-tube and the receiver/dryer, evacuate the system to get the air/moisture out, add the proper amount and type of refrigeration oil, and charge with refrigerant.