A/C recharge?

[GuyzVette]

1994 6-speed LT1.

My A/C hasn't blown cold since I bought the car 7 months ago. A mechanic glanced at the unit and told my to try recharging it. Bought the kit at Pep Boys with the Gauge attached.

When I hooked it up, pressure was 0. Charged it up to the recommended 45 lbs. Now what happens is that while running the A/C, the pressure rises up to 45 lbs, something on the engine makes a click (like the compressor is trying to engage), and the pressure drops down to zero again very quickly, and then starts to rise to 45 and then happens all over again.

I have disconnected the battery (based on another thread's recommendation).

Anyone know if I have a next step, or do I just need to take it in to an A/C specialist?

 

[gmjunkie]

How much Refrigerant did you put in it???? Sounds like it's Still Low!!!!!!! What refrigerant are you using????

 

[GuyzVette]

I bought the "Arctic Freeze" R-134a kit. The guage says that below 45 lbs is good, above is bad.

Here's the weird thing: A buddy of mine with a 94 was in town, and his A/C works. I hooked the gauge up to his car, to see if he might need some as well, and the guage read 105 lbs! Way into the "Seek professional help" range.

The controls and air flow all work fine on my car, it's just that the air is always hot when the engine is hot.

 

[Robertwav1]

You said the pressure was "0" when you hooked up the gauge. That's not good. Definitely still low if it's "pumping down" to zero when the clutch kicks in "or" there could be a retstriction. You need to seek professional help with this. The only real way to do this...ya need gauges. You could have air in the system since it was zero...I wouldn't waste any more gas. System needs to be checked for leaks with vacuum first. Good Luck!

 

[G Winter]

The low side should stay above 27 , the high side could go as high as about 280. This all depends on whatthe temp is and if you have a fan blowing on the radiator. 45 on the low side is ok as long as the high isn't way up there at 300
About 30 to 35 on low side is usually a good range. The low pressure line coming out of the evaporator should sweat some. This is not exact pressures but should get you in the ballpark.

Glenn

 

[GuyzVette]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to report closure. Took it to a friend of mine that does A/C work. He hooked up the guages and used a leak sniffer. It was low on freon. That's it. The instructions for the "kit" I bought weren't all that great. He basically filled it for me, and it works fine now.

Hope this helps someone else in the future.

 

[G Winter]

Good to see you have cool. Hot sucks.

Glenn