Another AC thread...tools ordered but questions
Another AC thread...tools ordered but questions I just ordered everything I need to open my own AC shop ^^ ...seriously though I've done quite a bit of reading and I don't think AC is that difficult at all if you have the right tools but in all my reading there are a few questions that I couldn't find answers to. If your an AC guru please chime in.
1. The system must be empty before you vacuum it correct? It seems obvious but nowhere is it really specified. I assume it would be vented to atmosphere through the vacuum pump.
2. question one brings me to two...how do you get the compressor oil out? How do you know how much is in there and how much to add?
3. Finally, my gauges show zero pressure on either side (low/high) so there is obviously a leak. What, minus the compressor, would you recommend I replace as preventative. Is there a sponsor that sells everything? Id really like to get new compressor lines, dryer/accu., orifice and new seals.
Any help appreciated
1. The system must be empty before you vacuum it correct? It seems obvious but nowhere is it really specified. I assume it would be vented to atmosphere through the vacuum pump.
2. question one brings me to two...how do you get the compressor oil out? How do you know how much is in there and how much to add?
3. Finally, my gauges show zero pressure on either side (low/high) so there is obviously a leak. What, minus the compressor, would you recommend I replace as preventative. Is there a sponsor that sells everything? Id really like to get new compressor lines, dryer/accu., orifice and new seals.
Any help appreciated
if your gauges are showing you zero psig then its empty. put a vacuum pump on it and bring it down to 29mg turn the pump off and let it sit for a while and see if it holds if it doesnt you have a leak some where.
if there is a leak it could be minor like valve stem those are a weak point usually.
i would put the pump on it first and see if it holds
im kind of going off of residential and other stuff i realy havent had to work on a vehicle hvac system yet
if there is a leak it could be minor like valve stem those are a weak point usually.
i would put the pump on it first and see if it holds
im kind of going off of residential and other stuff i realy havent had to work on a vehicle hvac system yet
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
I just ordered everything I need to open my own AC shop ^^ ...seriously though I've done quite a bit of reading and I don't think AC is that difficult at all if you have the right tools but in all my reading there are a few questions that I couldn't find answers to. If your an AC guru please chime in.
1. The system must be empty before you vacuum it correct? It seems obvious but nowhere is it really specified. I assume it would be vented to atmosphere through the vacuum pump.
1. The system must be empty before you vacuum it correct? It seems obvious but nowhere is it really specified. I assume it would be vented to atmosphere through the vacuum pump.
3. Finally, my gauges show zero pressure on either side (low/high) so there is obviously a leak. What, minus the compressor, would you recommend I replace as preventative. Is there a sponsor that sells everything? Id really like to get new compressor lines, dryer/accu., orifice and new seals.
Any help appreciated
Any help appreciated
When I put a vacuum on the system, I like to hold it for at least 4 hours. This ensures that any moisture in the oil has a chance to boil out. If you've done all the seal replacements correctly, you should be able to pull a 29.7" vacuum, shut the valves on the manifold and not lose any vacuum over that time period. That deep a vacuum is what it takes to ensure that the moisture will indeed boil, it drops the boiling point of water to about 35 degrees F.
@fleetmgr
Your the man...I shouldn't have to worry about doing anything illegal as my car has vented it to atmosphere for me ^^. Ive had the car for 3-4 years and the AC has never worked so I dont know what condition anything is in. Im debating throwing a can of 134 in there just to see it the compressor turns on. As far as the condenser, I have a transmission cooler in front of it....how big of a deal will that make? Thanks for the responses. ^^
Your the man...I shouldn't have to worry about doing anything illegal as my car has vented it to atmosphere for me ^^. Ive had the car for 3-4 years and the AC has never worked so I dont know what condition anything is in. Im debating throwing a can of 134 in there just to see it the compressor turns on. As far as the condenser, I have a transmission cooler in front of it....how big of a deal will that make? Thanks for the responses. ^^
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
Well, if you're gonna throw some refrigerant in there anyway, get the kind with dye in it so you can see what's leaking. At this point, you're probably looking at a new compressor no matter what you do, but you might get lucky and not have a bad compressor seal. Don't count on it though. Were it me, I'd pull the tranny cooler and have a look see just to be sure.
Just curious, in these fbody cars, is their a common faulty part with these A/c systems, Mine leaks a Lil over a few year period as it sits primarily, I notice my compressor seems oily and I see you mentioned compressor seal...???
Trending Topics
Well, if you're gonna throw some refrigerant in there anyway, get the kind with dye in it so you can see what's leaking. At this point, you're probably looking at a new compressor no matter what you do, but you might get lucky and not have a bad compressor seal. Don't count on it though. Were it me, I'd pull the tranny cooler and have a look see just to be sure.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
The seal isn't commonly replaced on it's own, but if you can get the part then go for it. If you want to do a pressure test w/o refrigerant, get some nitrogen (dry, oil free), and change your leak detection method to a soap bubble test on all the joints. It's a very good leak detection method for gross leaks. Most detectors though will find a leak that's as small as 1 ounce/year, and a soap test won't find that. Just don't put more pressure in the system than refrigerant would with the system operating on a hot day. Take a look at a P/T chart for pressure info.
If the compressor won't start on it's own, get ten cents worth of wire and jump it straight to the battery. You'll know soon enough if it's seized or not.
If the compressor won't start on it's own, get ten cents worth of wire and jump it straight to the battery. You'll know soon enough if it's seized or not.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, OK
Trust me, it's not unique to F bodies. An A/C system on any car is merely a leak waiting to happen. The single biggest favor you can do your A/C is to run it every couple of weeks over the winter. This would keep most systems happy for years longer than they currently last.
