My a/c isn't cooling. Last summer I had it converted to R134a and it worked great. The first time I tried it this spring - nothing. I bought a can of refrigerant and added it, but the system doesn't seem to want to take it all. I'm afraid to keep pushing it in for fear of overcharging. My sight glass is foamy. How long should it take to add a can? Does the foaminess ALWAYS mean it's not full enough, or could it be too full already? If so, why won't it take any more? The can is not anywhere near empty.

I have noticed that my aux. fan isn't coming on - ever. I'm pretty sure this is because the system pressure is low. I've jumpered the pressure switch and the fan came on. I also checked fuses, relays, and the temp. switch for obvious signs of malfunction, but I don't have specs to test them with a volt/ohm-meter.

Other info. - the low pressure hose is not getting cool at all. The compressor is engaging properly now, though it wasn't before I added any refrigerant, indicating that pressure was low enough to trip the cut-off. Occasionally I can feel slight cooling from the dash vents, but it's not much and it doesn't last very long.

So it seems that I just need more refrigerant, yes? But how do I get it in, and how do I know when to stop?

it sounds like you have a leak. Have the system check or buy a fluorescent dye so you can trace the A/C leak yourself OR take it to a professional. Good luck!

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J.H.
'86 300E

The foaminess indicates that it needs additional refrigrerant. You can get the refrigerant to flow faster out of the can by placing it in a hot water container. Make sure the can is upright and that you are on the low side. I would suggest picking up a inexpensive gauge from auto zone that will tell you if you have enough. I picked up one for 14.00 and hooks up to the low side and is color coded and very easy to use.
Good luck
Armind

I'm looking at a new compressor and changeover. How did you do it and where did you get your parts?

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5 speed '91 190E 2.6 320,000 mi. (new car, fast, smooth as silk six, couldn't find any more Peugeots)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.5l Turbo Diesel 266,000 mi. (old car, fast for a diesel, had 2 others)
5 speed '01 Jetta V6 (new wifes car, pretty quick)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.2l Turbo Gas 197,000 mi. (wifes car, faster, sadly gone just short of 200k )
5 speed '83 Yamaha 750 Maxim 14,000 mi. (fastest)
0 speed 4' x 8' 1800 lb Harbor Freight utility trailer (only as fast as what's pulling it)

If your compressor is badly damaged like noisy I would recomend replacing the condensor, expasion valve and dryer. It is practically impossible to clean out system contaminants from a bad compressor. If not properly flushed your new compressor will die soon.
I've been down this road before and would not attempt this on my own.
Armind