A/c - 86 560sl

[a2aa]

Is it true that if freon levels are low that the compressor would not engage?? Or is it the compressor -shot??? I was told to look at the small view glass to look for cloudiness or bubbles. If present, the level is low. But if it doesn't engage in the first place, is the glass view still the place to look at? In Texas, it's a must to have A/C- just like today, 70 degrees.

The last time I ran the A/C was about 1.5 months ago. Is this bad for the A/C system not to run it for quite some time? It was working perfectly the last time I did.

Thanks.

Regards,

[BDBENZ]

The compressor will not engage if it is low on Freon. There is a pressure switch on top of the drier, (sight glass) that you will need to jumper the switch to check if the compressor will engage. If your system has been converted to R-34A, then the sight glass will not be a good indicator for the system level charge. The best way is to use gages to check the system. If your system still has R-12 Freon, the sight glass should be free of bubbles when the compressor is running. You must first get the compressors to engage to determine the charge level.

Good luck,

BD

[a2aa]

I jumped the switch and the compressor came on!! SWEET. Now to find the slow leak . Can't afford to replace or top off freon every 6 months. At $38/ can, this will surely dry me up quick!

I was recommended this r12 compatible product being marketed by CARQUEST.. Correct me if I'm wrong , I think it was called Max12 ?!?!? Anyway , it's $6.95 a can. BIG DIFFERENCE! Very tempted to use it just to top off the system, atleast.

If anyone has any experience with this stuff, please let us know about it-- good or bad!

Thanks for the reply,

regards

If it's low on Freon due to a leak, it's possible that the system is also low on oil necessary to lubricate the compressor.