Has anyone, oh I don't know, put a set of gauges on the system to see what the pressures are?
What’s the fun in that? Just keep adding cans until it blows cold!
(I’m kidding, don’t do that)
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Has anyone, oh I don't know, put a set of gauges on the system to see what the pressures are?
This is good info. I do have one of those cheapy gauges attached to a filler hose. I won't keep pumping R134 into the system, but now I am thinking about giving it one more shot with some A/C pro super sealer. The more modern leak sealers are oil based and shouldn't clog up the system or mess up the mechanics equipment. At least that's what I've been reading.On a typical Texas summer day you can expect the low side to run 32-44 psi and 220-260 psi on the high side on a properly charged system.
This is good info. I do have one of those cheapy gauges attached to a filler hose. I won't keep pumping R134 into the system, but now I am thinking about giving it one more shot with some A/C pro super sealer. The more modern leak sealers are oil based and shouldn't clog up the system or mess up the mechanics equipment. At least that's what I've been reading.
I'm heading to Advance Auto this morning to pick up a new battery for the Sonoma to replace the 7 year old one in it now. Preparing myself for sticker shock. I think I paid $125 7 years ago. I'll pick up some leak sealer and a can of R134a while I'm there.
I don't know why I keep the dang thing anyway. Sentimental reasons I guess. And it keeps me busy. Bought it new 26 years ago this month. Everything on it has been replaced at one time or another. 3 alternators, 2 water pumps, 2 radiators, ABS modulator, AC compressor, head gasket, starter, motor mounts, transmission, throttle position sensor, a leaky fuel injector, and probably stuff I can't think of off the top of my head. And it only has about 175k miles on it.
Good idea. But then I'd have to charge the system in their parking lot, right? Don't think I want to do that. I'm just hoping they will install the battery for me so I don't have to make another trip to return the core.Advanced Auto and other places should have proper gauges you can borrow to check your system. Some will even check it for you. Ask when you get there.
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My AC guy said a lot of the leaks are from the 2 ports, the schrader valve leaking. You can get a cap that will seal the port and see what happens.
Good idea. But then I'd have to charge the system in their parking lot, right? Don't think I want to do that. I'm just hoping they will install the battery for me so I don't have to make another trip to return the core.
They replaced the battery for me. Saves me a trip back. I swear tho, I could have done it quicker, heh. Gold series battery was $160. So that's done. I went ahead and bought and installed the AC stop leak and some R134a. Must not have been as low as the first time because it only took about 5 seconds for the compressor to kick in and stay on. The stop leak has a red dye in it. I saw some red dye and tiny bubble at the low pressure schrader valve after I installed the R134. Ran it a few minutes and checked again, no dye, no bubbles. We'll see how long it lasts. It was putting out some pretty cold air.If you have to take the battery home, be sure to check posts on the battery they give you.
I've had them give me a battery with post sides switched, and also smaller posts.
The cap does have a crack in it on the side. I'll replace it.Cliff did mention the service ports leaking. Those caps are suppose to have sealing rubbers inside them. If the caps are missing, or the sealing rubbers are gone, buy some new caps at the auto parts store. The all will leak just a tiny bit if the caps are missing.
The cap will only do so much. The schrader valve needs to be replaced.
There you have it,I'm thinking about buying a cheap vacuum pump and a set of gauges and doing it myself. I can always use it on my other vehicles.
I have a valve core tool. Checked the schrader valve yesterday, but it was tight.Could just be loose. If you have a valve insert/remove tool might wanna give it a twist. If you don’t have one you can pick up an extremely cheap one at any auto parts store. Probably isn’t loose but, for the cost, eliminating that as a possibility isn’t a bad idea.
My father always taught me, if you going to do it, do it right.Reality is... pulling a vacuum on the a/c has one purpose: extract moisture from the system. It accomplishes that by causing the water/moisture to boil allowing it to be vented to the atmosphere via the vacuum pump. It can also be used to determine if a system is leaking but that’s not the primary purpose.
Reality is... if you are going to simply replace a schrader valve the chances of introducing a significant amount of moisture into the system are pretty minimal. Consequently no “real” need to pull a vacuum on the system. Is it the best way? Nope. But your risk factor is actually quite small if you dont do it.
If you don’t know squat about low side/high side pressure ratios a set of gauges, no matter the cost, is a waste of money. You can get freon with a pressure gauge on it - they are available. Get on line and find out what range your high side pressure should be. The using the gauge on the refill can of freon... bring it to that pressure. That “should” get your system cooling again without introducing additional problems.
while on line find out how much freon your system requires, ~3#s iirc... from 30 or so years ago. Then put that much in. You’ll be starting from empty.
No disagreement here but I believe I recall the op indicating that wasn’t going to happen. Just presenting options short of taking it to a certified repair facility - which would be the “right” way for the op to solve this problem.My father always taught me, if you going to do it, do it right.
I've done some research over the past few days. I know what the high and low pressures are suppose to be. I also have a filler hose with a pressure gauge on it, but it only reads the low side pressure.If you don’t know squat about low side/high side pressure ratios a set of gauges, no matter the cost, is a waste of money. You can get freon with a pressure gauge on it - they are available. Get on line and find out what range your high side pressure should be. The using the gauge on the refill can of freon... bring it to that pressure. That “should” get your system cooling again without introducing additional problems.
According to the owner's manual, the AC system requires 30 .oz of refrigerant. I only added about 12 oz to get the pressure up to about 40 lbs on the low side. It's putting out fairly cold air now. I just hope it holds.while on line find out how much freon your system requires, ~3#s iirc... from 30 or so years ago. Then put that much in. You’ll be starting from empty.