Re: IML: Was 65 A/C question... now OH NOOO!!!!

Hi,

Sounds like the safety valve is detecting low refrigerant and turning off the clutch. Since there is no oil sump in the compressors on A/C systems the lubricant is mixed in with the refrigerant, the low pressure safety switch shuts

down the compressor so it does not seize up from insufficient lubrication. When the pressure is right on the border

of almost enough to work but not quite enough, the systems responds with the symptom you describe.

When you purge a system and recharge it this is always observed until about 50- 60 % of the required

charge is in place, then the compressor will stay on and the filling proceeds faster.

When you got the e valve to open and the refrigerant actually got into the evaporator the pressure dropped

producing the behavior you described, just don't run it until you can get it fixed. It needs to be evacuated,

pumped down ( vacuum ) and reloaded with oil and refrigerant

You should convert to r-134a anyway, you can get a kit at Wall mart for about $40.00.

Regards,

John

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of eric bruggeman
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 1:11 AM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: IML: Was 65 A/C question... now OH NOOO!!!!

Hello all!

    I came home from work today and checked all the great advice that was given me. The flaps (blend doors) are working like they should, the heater water valve is working as it should, even took off return hose to check make sure, everything checked out fine. I then started the engine, turned on the air, and got some coolness, but not much like always.. The line leading into the plenum (the line leaving the expansion valve heading into the cabin) was frosted as usual.... soooo in another old mechanic's book I was reading last night it suggested to pour warm water, or place a hot rag, on the expansion valve to test it... I did that, and I did start getting COLD air in the car...

    Now the part I don't like! Everything was great! I was happy! THEN..... the engine bogged down, and a heard just a little "squealch" and then the idle went back to normal. I shut the AC down right away, but I turned it on again after not seeing anything wrong under the hood. I put the ac back on max, and took a look at the compressor and was feeling the various lines for cool/hot... THAT'S WHEN I SAW IT!!!!   The clutch on the compressor was just kind of half spinning/stopping/spinning/stopping..... I shut it off right away and haven't looked back!!!

    I assume that I blew the clutch, but does that mean that I've also toasted the compressor?    I was getting nice cold air for a few mins before the clutch went out...

    Winter is on they way, so not too worried about having air right now. Come next summer when the Sacramento heat starts again I want to be ready though! I have my eye/bid on a few cans of R12 on Ebay and my mechanic has some hidden somewhere.  Should I start with a replacement clutch from a donor car, have him bring the charge up to full, and try it from there? For that one shining moment it did work, but maybe I overdid it with a low charge?

    Thank you to all who offered their knowledge, and all who will assist now!

Eric