A/C Quit
 

OK, I'm mad as h*ll. Charged up the a/c today(also converted to r134a) and noticed the compressor would come on then shut down. D*mn thing wouldn't come on again. Jumped the compressor to make sure that it still worked, it did but when I gave the car gas the compressor went off again and hasn't come back on since..I think I'm screwed. Hope not though, does anyone have any sound advice for me??

Have you checked the two switches on top of your receiver/drier?? One is a pressure switch the other is a temp switch. Of course also relays and fuses. Good luck.

Evan

Richie:

Curious...

What did you do to prepare for the new refrigerant before drawing it in? What parts were changed? Oil changed? Vacuum? Manifold gauges used for filling?

Changed the high and low valves on the lines then I hooked up the manifold gauges toremove the freon that was already in the system but none registered. When doing the conversion, the cans of r134a states that each can contains 3oz. of oil already in them. It seems like a really easy conversion. I doubt that I did anything wrong.

Just tried the ac again today and yes it turned on but I didn't have time to check everything just yet. I getting ready to go and by a new belt(it started squealing today)so I'll try it in a few minutes.

I'll keep you posted..

Mike for filling no I didn't use the manifold gauges. I use that cheap hose that they supply and on the 2nd can I lost all of the freon because for some reason the threads were stripped..

Richie - shot in the dark.....

Since gauges weren't used, I wonder if maybe it's overcharged? R-134a requires 80% of what you used for R-12.

Mike,
I don't think so because one the gauges didn't show any freon presently in the system when I hooked the gauges up to remove the freon and, two only 2 cans went in initially because the second can went all over the place. Later I went and added a third can. Still the same results..

Another thing, the car sat over the winter because I took my time and did the head job, so I didn't have the opportunity to run the AC periodically over the winter. I know they say you have to run the AC system over the winter to keep the compressor oiled..

As for today, AC came on, compressor engaged but as soon as I gave it gas, the compressor shut off.

Richie:

If the new serp. belt is on and adj., does the clutch engage and activate compressor? If so, hook up gauges and look at your readings.

OK. Give me a little to change the belt. Also, how can I tell if the pressure switch is bad?? I know it's a long shot but.....

Disconnect the wiring to the low pressure switch. Take a short piece of wire and trim back the insulation some on each end. Basically, you're going to build a jumper wire. Start up engine and activate A/C. Stick one end of the wire in one side of the low pressure switch and the other end of the wire in the other end of the low pressure switch. If the clutch engages, either the switch is faulty or the refrigerant is gone. Only allow unit to run long enough to see if clutch engages. If system is dry you could damage it. I do realize you charged it up, just trying to cover the bases.

Before doing this, fire up the car and see what happens after the belt has been replaced. 103 belts like to be snug. You mentioned the A/C worked today. I doubt it's the pressure switch.

Time for the 4th!!!

Back Friday.

enjoy
 

Mike,

I appreciate your time and your help. The AC came on and stayed on. Went for a ride and came back, AC still on. Changed the belt, AC still on. Don't know what's going on but for the 4th the AC's working. :D ..
Enjoy your holiday. I'm going to snug the belt alittle more.

NOW, the belts not quite tight but the tensioner screw keeps turning and it's not getting an tighter:mad: . If it's not on D*MN thing it's another..

Anyway, enjoy the 4th everyone...

Of course the tensioner adjuster is stripped. Ordered a new one should be here by Tuesday, Wednesday the latest.

One thing that I've learned, with this car (has over 200k mi.) didn't get the history from the previous owner, so I've been changing just about everything at some point. Whomever purchases this car from me down the line won't have to many problems, that's for sure.

PS: Also glad that my brother's a mechanic and I'm somewhat intelligent :confused:, that I catch on pretty quick when it comes to saving money especially with my brother not being there to assist me all of the time :D. You will learn how to fix your own car..