Compressor Change/Recharge
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Compressor Change/Recharge
I tried posting this same thread about 5 mins ago, but lost connection, so I'll make it short and sweet this time lol.
I noticed that my compressor was leaking UV dye and needed replacement. Therefore, I installed my new compressor just a couple of nights ago.
After charging the system with 2 cans of 134a, I decided to check the pressures with the set of gauges and the low side was around 30 or so psi, I can't remember to be honest what the high side read. I have had several people around town say that 45-50psi on the low side and no more than about 225psi on the high side is a good charge.
So, I started with the 3rd can. It emptied, then I checked the pressures again. The gauges did not show anything new. For some reason, my system will not hold more than around 30psi on the low side with the high side reading 175psi. I have had my system in the past charged up to 50 and 220psi, but for some reason, my truck will not get past 30psi, even though it did empty all 3 cans. I don't have a freon leak anymore that I am aware of.
I noticed that my compressor was leaking UV dye and needed replacement. Therefore, I installed my new compressor just a couple of nights ago.
After charging the system with 2 cans of 134a, I decided to check the pressures with the set of gauges and the low side was around 30 or so psi, I can't remember to be honest what the high side read. I have had several people around town say that 45-50psi on the low side and no more than about 225psi on the high side is a good charge.
So, I started with the 3rd can. It emptied, then I checked the pressures again. The gauges did not show anything new. For some reason, my system will not hold more than around 30psi on the low side with the high side reading 175psi. I have had my system in the past charged up to 50 and 220psi, but for some reason, my truck will not get past 30psi, even though it did empty all 3 cans. I don't have a freon leak anymore that I am aware of.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Lets forget about the guage readings for a minute Chris, lets talk about how many ounces of R134a your system is supposed to hold. I'm thinking you most likely know this, but in case you or someone reading this doesn't, it should state the amount right next to the belt diagram under the hood. The reason I bring this up is because my 97 holds 32 ounces. Each can normally holds 12 ounces, but you can buy bigger and I hope you didn't. Lets say you're using the 12oz cans, 2x12=24ozs, making you under charged, and 3x12=36 making you a little over charged. The more you over charge it, the more you stand a chance of blowing your compressor seal out again. Now, it's very possible your truck holds more than mine, don't know, check the sticker. As far as the guage readings go I'd recommend maybe checking out this link, but if you just go by ounces you should blow nice and cold if everything else is ok. Troubleshooting with Gauges FAQ
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Did you pull a hard vacuum on the system before charging?
If not, the system is full of air and will never cool properly. The air MUST be removed before charging.
Also, you need to take the pressure readings at 1500 rpm, MAX AC, High Blower with the doors open. The low side should be ~30-45. The high side should be about 2.5 times the ambient underhood temp.
If not, the system is full of air and will never cool properly. The air MUST be removed before charging.
Also, you need to take the pressure readings at 1500 rpm, MAX AC, High Blower with the doors open. The low side should be ~30-45. The high side should be about 2.5 times the ambient underhood temp.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
I tried posting this same thread about 5 mins ago, but lost connection, so I'll make it short and sweet this time lol.
I noticed that my compressor was leaking UV dye and needed replacement. Therefore, I installed my new compressor just a couple of nights ago.
After charging the system with 2 cans of 134a, I decided to check the pressures with the set of gauges and the low side was around 30 or so psi, I can't remember to be honest what the high side read. I have had several people around town say that 45-50psi on the low side and no more than about 225psi on the high side is a good charge.
So, I started with the 3rd can. It emptied, then I checked the pressures again. The gauges did not show anything new. For some reason, my system will not hold more than around 30psi on the low side with the high side reading 175psi. I have had my system in the past charged up to 50 and 220psi, but for some reason, my truck will not get past 30psi, even though it did empty all 3 cans. I don't have a freon leak anymore that I am aware of.
I noticed that my compressor was leaking UV dye and needed replacement. Therefore, I installed my new compressor just a couple of nights ago.
After charging the system with 2 cans of 134a, I decided to check the pressures with the set of gauges and the low side was around 30 or so psi, I can't remember to be honest what the high side read. I have had several people around town say that 45-50psi on the low side and no more than about 225psi on the high side is a good charge.
So, I started with the 3rd can. It emptied, then I checked the pressures again. The gauges did not show anything new. For some reason, my system will not hold more than around 30psi on the low side with the high side reading 175psi. I have had my system in the past charged up to 50 and 220psi, but for some reason, my truck will not get past 30psi, even though it did empty all 3 cans. I don't have a freon leak anymore that I am aware of.
JL
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Only did a compressor swap because all A/C system is around 2 years old. Only the compressor was leaking. I will go back again and evacuate/vacuum/recharge and possibly change the orfice, although I don't think the orfice is the problem. I'll post back again when I have it completed.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: AZ
With you having a dye kit and guages Chris, I assumed you had a vacuum pump and pulled a vacuum, my mistake. Most guys that have these things laying around tend to be mechanics and know to do this. If the system was empty for a while because of the leak you should replace the accumulator. If it's saturated, pulling a vacuum isn't going to help.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 2
Most a/c mechanics will tell you if you replace the compressor you should also replace the accumulator and the orifice tube. This has been my experience anyway. It's a good idea anytime the system is opened too pull a vacuum . Good Luck. Wrong time of the year not too have a/c.
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