AC - High Pressure on low side

Hey guys,

I replaced my accumulator and orifice tube and retrofit the AC system on my '87 wagon last fall and the AC ran great until it leaked out a month later. Unfortunately I had forgotten to replace the o-rings so I figured I'd just leave it until the summer.

Well here comes summer and I remove the fittings on the accumulator to replace the o-rings, then start to recharge the system. The pressure on the low-side starts getting up to 55psi, then the compressor comes on and takes it back down until it shuts off. This happens while I'm recharging the system repeatedly; compressor is only intermittent. After 1.5 cans of R134, I started to get worried. When I turn off the AC, the pressure on the low side gets up to around 150 PSI or more.

I'm worried about adding more refridgerant and can't remember, am I supposed to take the pressure reading with the compressor running or not running?

Thanks,

Alex

Hey guys,

I replaced my accumulator and orifice tube and retrofit the AC system on my '87 wagon last fall and the AC ran great until it leaked out a month later. Unfortunately I had forgotten to replace the o-rings so I figured I'd just leave it until the summer.

Well here comes summer and I remove the fittings on the accumulator to replace the o-rings, then start to recharge the system. The pressure on the low-side starts getting up to 55psi, then the compressor comes on and takes it back down until it shuts off. This happens while I'm recharging the system repeatedly; compressor is only intermittent. After 1.5 cans of R134, I started to get worried. When I turn off the AC, the pressure on the low side gets up to around 150 PSI or more.

I'm worried about adding more refridgerant and can't remember, am I supposed to take the pressure reading with the compressor running or not running?

Thanks,

Alex


you want to check readings while compressor is running.it sounds
like the comp is cycling on/off because system is low.
you didnt say if the system was evacuated,or that the system was holding.if it wasnt you can run into more problems.hopefully you just for got to mention.
Good luck

150 psi static pressure means you have a non-condensible in the system-air.

Well I checked it shortly after posting and realized that I had cracked the pressure sensor on the accumulator by over-tightening it. The pressure sensor was a GE type "F". I've got four GE sensors of type "40","46","48", and "A". Would any of these be ok to use as a temporary replacement?

[EDIT] I believe this is termed the "clutch cycle switch"


much thanks,

alex

when you open the system up you must use a vacuum pump before thinking of adding refrigerent...when it is like now very hot very humid you now have alot of moisture in there and that is going to destroy this ac for sure.

when the compressor is off the low side pressure will rise..150psi is on the higher than normal side but if it is 100degf out could get that high.