Question for the A/C experts
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: NC
Question for the A/C experts I am hoping there are some active A/C experts on this forum (I may have to post an a specific Auto a/c forum).Anyway I have an A/C issue that I was hoping somebody could help me get started in the right direction. I have been able to successfully repair some other vehicles and actually did a R12 to R134a conversion but this situation puzzles me.1998 Pontiac Transam 5.7L ~30K miles that does not get driven much, seemed like the A/C has not been cooling like it should the last couple years…..I expected a slow compressor main seal leak due to non-use. Finally got the gauges on today (compressor is engaging).~90F Ambient temp Low side 25 and high side ~200+ attempted to put in a couple ounces of R134a but system will not take any refrigerant (charging low side, gas, can). Evaporator inlet cold (not super cold) and sweating, outlet warm. Any ideas would be a great help. From the basics I know I really thought this issue sounded like low refrigerant. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by y2k600f4; Jun 21, 2018 at 09:48 AM.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: NC
So far I am considering a potential problem with either the low side Schrader valve or my gauge quick connect that us preventing the flow of refrigerant to enter just exit to be read by gauges. Has anybody experienced something like this?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: NC
I figured this was too specific for this forum. Thought I'd least give it a try. Even posted on an A/C forum but still waiting (does not get much traffic).
Update: Decided to give it another try slightly cooler temps (high humidity) ~80F
Low side ~25 PSI and High Side climbs up to almost 275 but drops to 150 when the fans kick on (cycle on and off). I tried to spray the condenser to observe the high side pressure (made a mess) since there is no access in the front of the vehicle and when I spray in the fans the high side does drop a little. Evaporator input cold to the touch and sweating (not super cold) output warm. Vent still blowing warm air. Still won't take a charge and I am stumped.
I guess my next step is to purge the system, pull a vacuum and attempt to add the required 1.5 lbs unless by chance somebody has any tips? It would greatly be appreciated. Thanks
Update: Decided to give it another try slightly cooler temps (high humidity) ~80F
Low side ~25 PSI and High Side climbs up to almost 275 but drops to 150 when the fans kick on (cycle on and off). I tried to spray the condenser to observe the high side pressure (made a mess) since there is no access in the front of the vehicle and when I spray in the fans the high side does drop a little. Evaporator input cold to the touch and sweating (not super cold) output warm. Vent still blowing warm air. Still won't take a charge and I am stumped.
I guess my next step is to purge the system, pull a vacuum and attempt to add the required 1.5 lbs unless by chance somebody has any tips? It would greatly be appreciated. Thanks
