A/C Has Not Worked In Years

BigRed · Post by **BigRed** » 24 May 2012, 06:21

The A/C on my '96 855 has not worked in years, but now I'm feeling motivated. When jumping the low pressure switch the compressor does engage. I am not familiar with A/C, so please let me know if my plan sounds good or like a waste of time and money.

1. Purchase Harbor Freight Manifold Gauge Set and Vacuum Pump that is to be powered by my 2HP, 8 Gallon Compressor

2. Take a reading with gauge to establish a baseline (is their any refrigerant left?)

3. Pull vacuum as fas as my compressor will take it and see if it holds

4. If vacuum holds over night then:

4a. Charge system, maybe with Duracool

4b. Replace Accumulator/Receiver/Drier then charge system

The system is undoubtedly leaking, but the question is how slowly. If it would hold to the point that it needed charged every month, I'd be happy with that.

Post by **JRL** » 24 May 2012, 07:22

I can tel you without doing all that work that 99 and 44/100% you probably need a new evaporator.
If you want to, (and the easiest way to do this) is to just fill the system with R134 (1.65 lbs) and see if everything else works.

Then make a note of how long it holds the charge plus....YOU'RE IN THE WRONG FORUM.
This is for later P2 cars)

BigRed · Post by **BigRed** » 24 May 2012, 08:20

That explains why I had trouble finding my post! I don't see how to move it.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 May 2012, 08:57

Moved for ya.

But yeah, if there's no charge at all anymore, you've probably got a dead evaporator. They all do.

Post by **t10opila** » 24 May 2012, 09:29

Also, if you want to pull the system into a vacuum after evacuating, 45 minutes - 1 hour will sufficiently tell you if you have a leak, no need to leave it overnight. Just fill with 134a, dont forget the compressor oil, and if you can find it leak detection dye and a uv light (black light) will help find leak sources.

If the reciever/dryer is rusty, replace that first.

BigRed · Post by **BigRed** » 24 May 2012, 10:44

Is dead as in leaks or dead as in does not function (other than leak)?

As I said, charging it monthly would not be a bad deal (enviromental concerns aside), I read you were going that route at one time.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 May 2012, 12:05

As I said, charging it monthly would not be a bad deal (enviromental concerns aside), I read you were going that route at one time.

Ah. If you're willing to take that route, then go for it. As the system has been dry for years, replace the dryer first before doing any of that. Then charge the system with what you'd like to. How long it holds the charge (or how long it holds a vacuum) will tell you how bad the leak is.

I've had good luck with the ID EZ Cool stuff in my car. It contains a leak sealer that doesn't clog up things, yet seems to help it hold the charge in for the summer.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =4&t=30434

I lost all the charge last year, but I charged it up again just before getting my new one, and so far (the car's not in my care anymore), I've heard that the AC is still working splendidly.