Well, I've been sorting the vacuum part of the system and it's pretty much a done deal
While working on it the low pressure switch started turning off the compressor. (I checked the switch with a meter just to make sure it wasn't something else.)
It was cooling pretty well but I figured it needed some 134a since the pressure switch was cycling.
I got one of those cheapo DIY kits and followed the instructions. At first the gauge was about 10psi. I put 2 small cans in and it came up to about 20. I got another can (The target according to the gauge was 40-50 psi) and was shooting for about 35 psi. About 25 psi there was something like a fire extinguisher under the car for about 3 seconds
WTF!!
I checked out the compressor and found dye around one of the O rings at the back of the compressor (It's a round Delphi GM type) and a big puddle under the car.
There was some "Growling" coming from the compressor but it was subtle and seemed to be subsiding as I added 134
I started the engine and hooked the gauge back up and it seems to be holding at 20 at that time. The engine has been off for a few hours and now the gauge is well into the red
Not sure if that's an accurate measurement of anything.
So, where did I screw up or did I just have a failure? It was cooling (Pretty well actually) before I started working on it.
I just fired it up to pull all the way into the garage. (It's longer than it looks
)
Anyway, I let the engine warm up and started the AC and the gauge held at 25. I figured with a blowout like that it'd be empty. Seemed to be cooling OK...