Author Topic: something wrong with AC (Read 4022 times)

superman293 · « **on:** August 08, 2007, 10:16:15 pm »

My Ac system in my 82 rabbit was always missing a coolant line, so today i replaced it, but it still doesn't work. I used one of the self kits to charge the system, the AC clutch is kicking on when I select AC. It seem like the system did not take enought gas to make it work, but on the other hand the gauge does reads in the red with is too much and it's still not getting cold
any sugestions?

commuter boy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2007, 12:13:32 am »

It won't work efficiently with too much pressure either, or the wrong mix of gas to oil.

Take it to a shop that can vaccuum it all out and put the right mix in.

Darth Garry · « **Reply #2 on:** August 09, 2007, 09:12:28 am »

IF you don't pull a vacuum on the system before charging there very likely will be a lot of water/water vapor in the system which will instantly ice up the evaporator nozzle and will deny your cold air. You should pull a vacuum on it for several hours to regenerate the decasin in the dryer.

Garry

superman293 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 09, 2007, 10:58:21 am »

what device do i use to vacume the system out?, I have recharged many system before that were empty and never had a problem

jtanguay · « **Reply #4 on:** August 09, 2007, 01:19:05 pm »

i would say replace the receiver drier. its about $20-30 and you'll need some new o-rings for it. i did, and my system works flawlessly (aside from the fact that i need to fabricate some cowling to maximize airflow over the condenser)

i would assume it to be unnecessary to pull a vacuum for more than 10 minutes. there are also good products on the market that will get rid of moisture in your system as well such as duracool dura dry. it converts any moisture into a synthetic oil. since your system has been open for a while, the oil is probably very contaminated and probably should be changed, if there is any left in it...

when the system is running the pressure should read about 20-30 psi, or maybe a bit more. when the system is not running the pressure should equalize to around 60 psi or so. (low side reading. high side will read MUCH higher when the compressor is running) if your low side is reading high when the compressor is running, you will most likely need a new one.

my system was left open for about a year (i had put plastic, but it eventually broke down and came off) and my a/c still works great. i did however replace a the condensor & receiver drier & any o-rings associated. always lube up o-rings with a/c oil that is non hydroscopic (will not absorb moisture).

things i recommend you buy:

duracool dura dry
duracool a/c oil chill (the stuff in the can, unless you have the expensive equpiment)
duracool hc refrigerant (2 cans will do)

how much refrigerant did you put in before? if you put 3 cans, that would explain the high pressure. if its r134a, it won't work properly unless you change your o-rings to keep the charge in.

Darth Garry · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2007, 05:03:53 pm »

I agree, if you get a new drier, you only need 10 mins of vacuum, but buy pulling a vacuum for several hours you can potentially regernate the receiver dryer if you don't have the money for one. But in my memory, they're not that expensive.

Garry

jtanguay · « **Reply #6 on:** August 09, 2007, 06:36:27 pm »

Quote from: "Darth Garry"

I agree, if you get a new drier, you only need 10 mins of vacuum, but buy pulling a vacuum for several hours you can potentially regernate the receiver dryer if you don't have the money for one. But in my memory, they're not that expensive.

Garry

hmm it might be possible to regenerate it, but i would be worried about contaminants that were trapped in there etc. for something as sensitive as the a/c system though, i would always replace.