After getting some basic instruction on the climate control system, I think the dang air conditioner is in working condition! The compressor kicks in, got a few bubbles through the sight window, and she "seems" to be pushing cool air. Reckon I'll take her in and have the system vac'ed down, shoot in some oil and gas, and find out if she leaks or was just dry. (The PO was a lady and unless it stop running, she didn't fool with it.)

BTW, someone here wrote about checking for loose wires at the compressor....THANKS! NOW the compresser kicks in! I love free fixes.

I think the radio still has way too many buttons....found a section on it's operation....man, I miss the 2 knob jobbers. Why is it kids can just look at it, poke around a minute, and figure it out?? My daughter is teaching me how to work it....she says it's hard....not the radio, the teaching me part!

__________________
Mark
1983 300TD Wagon
Even a broken watch is right twice a day

If you see some bubbles, you have a low charge, not none. Originally it had R12, might still. You'll want to check, if the fittings have been changed that is a quick tip-off that it has been dowgraded to R134a or ??, if fittings are original then might be original.

If it is still R12, have it charged not changed. R134a isn't much cheaper than the original R12 now, and R12 is much more efficient (read COLDER) with the original compressor if all works.

- Jeff Miller
'87 190DT
'85 4kQ
'88 Cabrolet
all w/ ice-cold R12 systems (Audi has used 1lb since new in '85)

It has a sticker that says it's been converted to 134....I know it's low, I was just exicted about see the bubbles....she's trying to work!

__________________
Mark
1983 300TD Wagon
Even a broken watch is right twice a day

Since this car has been converted to 134 the sight glass indicates nothing. Don't pay any attention to it. When the system needs recharging it will have to be done according to pressures by someone who is very accustomed to charging converted systems.

The only other way to charge correctly is by volume into a totally empty and evacuated system.

Good luck,

Larry, don't the bubbles mean the system is at least trying to cycle? I thought I felt cooler air last night, but the evening air was pretty mild and from what I read this system draws in outside air...so I got a firm maybe!

Yes, I am gonna have the system put on a vaccum pump,evactuated, and recharged.

Now, is there any other way to test this system BEFORE I re-charge it? I'd just as soon not throw money into the system and then have it leak back out into the air!

Also, I'm still not sure about the vaccum motors that run the flaps, but I'll be testing all that next week.

__________________
Mark
1983 300TD Wagon
Even a broken watch is right twice a day

A good A/C shop should be able to put gauges on it and tell you if it is working properly and whether it needs more refrigerant.

- Jeff Miller
190DT