brrretta

I have recently replaced the accumulator on the AC (134 modified) system for my 88 Beretta. I did this after attempting to recharge the system and noticing a bubbling leak from the accumulator. I vaccummed down the system and attempted to add freon. Aside from the initial rush from the can I could add no more freon. I inspected the compressor to find the clutch no longer engaging. I could "hotwire" the clutch and it does engage. I even tried to bypass the low and high pressure switches. Nothing seems to work. The only thing odd I noticed was the presence of a broken diode on the connector to the compressor. The system seemed to be working previously with the broken diode so I don't think that is the problem.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

ladymech62

The switches are there to prevent the system from hurting itself. Usually when charging with the small cans you have to get the system to run and when the low pressure is at its lowest, close off the valve to the can. Replace the empty with another can of freon and repeat. Hotwiring the switch may be the only way to get it to accept freon if you are doing this with the temperature is below 75 degrees.
When you had the accumulator off, did you check the orrifice tube? That is the plastic piece with the screen inside the tube. Did you replace it? These little things will stop up and cause the low side to go into vaccuum. If it looked clear leave it alone because they can be buggar-bears to get out.

__________________
Cheryl . . . Mom, mechanic, and gopher

1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, 2 What do you mean I can't use that on a FORD?

brrretta

This should answer that question ... huh? Where would I find this "orrifice tube"? I don't recall seeing any screens when I removed and replaced the old accumulator. Also I have been poking through some manuals and found instruction saying to fill the new accumulator with refrigerent oil .... I didn't do that. Could that cause these kinds of symptoms.


I'm not even a shade tree mechanic, I have to work in the sun, under my car in the driveway! The only shade I get is from the hood.

Thanks.

ladymech62

Really 'orrifice tube' is a bit misleading. The accumulator is at the outlet end of the evaporator. There is a smaller connection at the inlet to the evaporator. Taking this coupler apart and you should just see the end of the orrifice tube. If you want to try to change it, a pair of hemastats can help remove the tube by locking onto the end. Roll it to see if the o-ring is not stuck. If it will roll, you can gently pull it straight out. Rub some refridgerant oil on the o-ring and the new one can slide right in. The Accumulator/dryer is filled with a substance that keeps the moisture out of the circulating freon. When this substance breaks down, it looks like sand. This can stop up the orrifice tube.
Usually two ounces of oil is all that you need of refridgerant oil to put into the accumulator. To ease assembly, some oil wiped on the o-rings and the threads will aid in the getting the connections together smoothly.


Editted due to poor copy/paste job and trying to do it at 3 in the morning!

__________________
Cheryl . . . Mom, mechanic, and gopher

1, 8, 4, 3, 6, 5, 7, 2 What do you mean I can't use that on a FORD?

brrretta

I feel like a dope .. when I installed the new accumulator and screwed on the new 134 adapter ..... (punch line here) ...... I forgot to remove the existing schraeder valve ... doh!!! it doesn't work so well with 2 shraeder valves installed. Once this was corrected, everything else went as expected.

Thanks for your responses.

When all else fails ... start again ...

ladymech62

As Dad often said "What you don't have in your head, you got to have in your feet" . . . we've both had to re-do some repairs ourselves due to not seeing things the first time. Don't feel so bad. Sometimes it takes a fresh aproach . . . You're welcome!