AC was ice cold...now nothing

[GST_Hatchback]

I charged my AC the other day and it was instantly ice cold. The next day i turned it on for about 15 minutes waiting for it to get cold and nothing. So i put another can in, thinking that it was just low and once again cold as ice all day. So i start it up today and still no cold air. I'm guessing i have a leak or something because the compressor engages everytime.....oh and i lost the cap to the low side service port...but I thought it was just a dust cap and didnt prevent it from leaking out

 

[Bud92gsx]

Yeah you have a hole somewhere it sounds like...If the system is pressurized, you might be able to see or hear where the leak is coming from..Would explain why after the can went in it was ice cold, and next day nothing... Check for a pin hole in the compressor or one of the lines.

 

[gsx7707]

do a leak test and pull a vacuum on system.this can tell you alot.

 

[GST_Hatchback]

how do I do a leak test and pull a vacuum...I was just gonna turn the ac on and check all the lines with my hand to see if I could feel anything...but I guess not

 

[GST_Hatchback]

Yeah you have a hole somewhere it sounds like...If the system is pressurized, you might be able to see or hear where the leak is coming from..Would explain why after the can went in it was ice cold, and next day nothing... Check for a pin hole in the compressor or one of the lines.

dangit bud92gsx you have answered almost every question that I have put on here...thanks for looking out for me

well I went and checked it out. I couldnt see/hear/feel any leaks so i'm kinda at a loss as of what to do next

I dont think the issue is with the compressor...its working fine

 

[SmalltownDSMer]

Is there any fluid left in the system?? Sometimes if you do not use the A/C for a long time the seals go bad and the whole compressor will go bad. Go to a service station and have them check it.

Ok... Is there any fluid???

 

[GST_Hatchback]

Sorry but what fluid and where?

 

[AWD-TSI]

its actually oil that is in the system. your seals could have just gone bad. which one is a lil harder to say. you should take it to some one that has a A/C refilling machine. They will be able to pull a vacuum and get the tester and figure out where the leak is. The refill cans usually pump more air in the system than actual refrigerant. hope this helps

 

[SmalltownDSMer]

Ok cool. Let us know if the leak kit turn up any results

 

[92awddsm]

Sorry but what fluid and where?

Well, im not sure what smalltown is taliking about but the only fluid to be concerned with is compressor oil. If using r134, it should have pag oil, using r12, it should have castor. Im gonna guess that you are using 134 since you seem to have no clue but trying to do the work yourself. With r12, you need to be certified just to buy it and you dont seem to have that kind of knowlegde.Technically speaking, if you dont know what to do, take it to a pro.. If you are slightly advanced, you can get uv dye for the system, a $10 blacklight, and find the leak yourself instead of asking everyone else how to cure your problem.

 

[GST_Hatchback]

There's a local shop that has a free ac inspection... I might stop in there for shits and giggles

 

[n00btalon]

Hey man i just did the same thing, i actually had to convert my 91 to r134! they make a kit you can get where ever and most cans you buy do come with the proper mix of oil and refrigerant ... Day one i charged it and noticed the pin on the adapter was stuck so when i pulled the hose off it sprayed... so within 24hrs no more cold... recharged yesterday and this time the pin did not free and so far it is cold... this could be an issue for you as well. make sure it seals when you pull the hose off!

 

[fhudsonjr]

Yep, get that leak detector kit. It works. The one I have is made by Interdynamics.
I believe you can get then at Walmart also.

I used an Interdynamics kit for converting to R134- includes the oil. Did it 2 years ago and it blows cool enough that sometimes I have to turn the A/C down low or off.

 

[Rob10_99]

There are shops that will charge your R12 system, I suggest if you live somewhere you use it a lot, to spend the time and find it.
134a sucks.

As for DiY auto ac work, no go.

The AC machines pull a vacuum and get most of the oil out of the system along with all of the refrigerant.
The tech should leave the machine hooked up for about 15 minutes or longer to see if that vacuum holds. If it doesn't then there is a leak.
Every car has a VERY specific amount of product that should be in the system. Like 2.3lbs of R12 as well as 1.5oz of oil. (just some numbers, you get the idea)