I have a 97 camry that appears to have a obstruction that developes in the suction side of the system after about 20-30 minutes. This problem has been going on for about a month. I did add a small can of 134A about the same time when it stopped cooling altogether. I put gages on today and observed the following readings.


cold engine
90degree ambient
suction pressure 38lbs
hi side 210 lbs.

After 15 minutes
suction 20 lbs
hi side 200 lbs

after 25 min
suction 8 lbs
hi side 200 lbs

My mechanic recommends
new dryer
new compressor
evacuate and recharge the system...


my question is: Has anyone else had this problem? What was the fix to solve the problem?
Just hoping for a cheaper solution before I spend all the $$$
It has the 4 cylinder with 250K miles

thanks
Cooper

Sorry, no experience with this problem. You may have water in your system. In that case, you would be able to solve the problem with just an evacuation and refill. I would try this first.

YMMV

I would try an evacuate and recharge first with a new dryer and expansion valve. The compressor seems fine with those readings. If it can generate 8PSI suction with the high side at 200PSI, I'd say it is doing ok. As already mentioned, you may have some moisture in the system. Are you experiencing evaporator freeze-up at all? (ie. air flow from vents gets reduced) How is the vent airflow in general?

Has a sealer ever been used on this system? If so, then that may also be causing this now.

dave mc

Right - If you have that much water in the system, it would be necessary to replace the dryer.

thanks for your reply guys! Air flow is good and I have never added sealant to the system. It stop cooling completely about 6 weeks ago and I added about a half can of 134A (4 ozs?) I was puzzled how moisture could get into a system but it seems that could be the case. My mech thinks the compressor is going south and depositing trash in the system causing the obstruction. Plan is to pull a vacumn and change the drier this weekend. more to come

thanks
again

Hey Guys, I ended up changing the compressor, drier and TEV and all is well. thanks for everyones help
[