Re: Air conditioner troubleshooting?
From: PEUGPETE@AOL.COM
Date: Sun 07 Mar 2004 - 00:13:36 EST
In a message dated 3/6/2004 10:17:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,
biggyg@hotmail.com writes:
Hey all,
My 1989 SW8 has no chiller in it (as verified by my mechanic). But
the mechanic told me the system has to be charged fully before we can
find out if there is a leak ($400 bucks).
That would be a very expensive test of the air conditioning system if
it doesn't work. Anyone know any other way?
Thanks
Gashaw
Gashaw
To start with pull ALL hoses, expansion valve and replace ALL "O" rings.
Then evacuate and fill with R134A and a dye. To DIY you will need some tools.
I made a vacuum pump from an old freezer compressor and adapted it with
fittings to fit my gauges. A/C gauges, cheap ones at AUTOZONE or SEARS will do
because you will not use them on a regular basis as a mechanic would. R134A
adaptors, AUTOZONE or SEARS. Refridgerant oil, AUTOZONE or SEARS. Since it has been
open for a while (unknown) get a new dryer, AUTOZONE.
The names of AUTOZONE and SEARS was to illustrate local parts houses. I
did get some parts and tools at both places, but try yours.
One special tool you will need is a dipstick for the oil.
REFRIGERANT OIL DIP STICK
The next time you open your system use a dipstick on the compressor.
Take a coat hanger and cut a section about 10" long, put a finger loop in one
end, on the other end measure 30 mm and put a file mark, that is where your oil
should be with a dry system. Put a second mark at 25 mm, that should be where
your oil is now, if over that, use a vacuum hose and pull some out. Go
through the plug on top of the compressor, it will not fall straight because of the
shaft inside, but let it fall as straight down as it will. This should get you
as close as possible on the oil. :-)
NOW STEP BY STEP ON DIY
1) Remove all hoses, expansion valve, dryer and compressor.
2) Drain compressor and reinstall using new "O" rings. Refill to 30mm
mark on dipstick with new ref oil.
3) Reinstall new dryer.
4) Reinstall expansion valve using new "O" rings
5) Reinstall all hoses using new "O" rings
6) Install A/C gauges, vacuum pump and allow to run for 1/2 hour.
Allow to sit for 1 hour and observe vacuum drop, If significant (more than
1-2lbs), reverse the procedure and put pressure on the system (both sides) and listen
for air leaks (everything must be quiet to hear it)
If all is good, remove pump, attach R134A, bleed hose and add to system.
The system takes 35.27oz total. ALWAYS bleed hose to keep from adding air to
the system.
Hope this helps <;-))
PP
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Recommended format for your email subject lines:
Model # [Model Letters] Year Subject
Examples:
505 88 V6 Mileage
405 Mi16 89 Ignition Coil source?
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.4 : Sun 07 Mar 2004 - 00:11:29 EST