AC diagnosis

[zeke]

Just switched to a sanden compressor with ROLLGUY's kit.

Before the switch, the AC worked great until the R4 compressor welds on the face of the clutch broke. Result was uneven clutch engagement and a horrible sound. But, when the compressor would spin, colling was excelletnt.

Before I knew that it was the broken welds, I added a bit (2oz of oil) thinking the compressor had lost oil and was squeaking.

I mention this b/c there may be too much oil in the system right now.

I swapped in the Sanden, and added 2oz of oil per ROLLGUY's instructions. Dropped in the new dryer he supplied.

Pulled vacuum (27-28mm), and it held overnight, so I charged with 36 oz of R134a.

With out compressor engaged, high and low sides are at ~110 psi.

When I turn on the compressor, the low side pressure falls to -10 psi (vacuum), and the high side rises to just under 150 psi.

The compressor is engaging and disengaging properly.

There is some cooling happening, but not enough to say it is functioning even poorly.

When I disengage the compressor, pressures return to ~110.

My thinking is that this is a stuck TxV? (closed)

But shouldn't the high side show much higher pressure in that case?

I plan to recover the 134a and use compressed air to blow out the oil, then refill with the proper amount, and then recharge. But I want to make sure I fix the actual problem first. Is this likely to be solved with a new expansion valve?