Impala not taking 134

I have recently tried to refill my 2000 3.8l impala with 134 -It is in desperate need of a recharge considering the digital thermometer reads 57-59 degrees when it's on full blast with the windows up and it is secured in the ac vent.
It will not take the 134 and it is reading 25 psi- what could be causing this?

any replies are appreciated-

Tim

with only 25 psi on the low side, it sounds like your system is a bit low.

remember, with a 134 system 25 to 30 difference from ambient temp to vent temp is perfect. so, if its 90 outside and you are getting 57 to 59 on recirc with the blower at second from highest setting, your system is working properly.

if not, start over. have your car evaced and vacuumed by a professional, then recharge it with the proper amount. which is 1Kg or about 2.20 lbs.

also, have them put in a leak detector dye. that should help you find the leak.

hmmm... might as well have them recharge the system also, shouldnt cost a whole lot more. :grinyes:

I have recently tried to refill my 2000 3.8l impala with 134 -It is in desperate need of a recharge considering the digital thermometer reads 57-59 degrees when it's on full blast with the windows up and it is secured in the ac vent.
It will not take the 134 and it is reading 25 psi- what could be causing this?

any replies are appreciated-

Tim

Are you using a air cond recharge set with low and high gauge?
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=66773
If not that is the first thing you will need.
Is the compressure running?
What is the low and high side reading at idle and at 2000 RPM with compresser running?
Post back your pressure readings.

Also another problem can be tapping the low side port.
Some quick couplers do get the valve pushed down or open.
Hold down on the coupler.
Also they make quick couplers with adjustable tops to help open the valve.
MT

I have been using the quick charging gun (the blue one with the guage and trigger mechanism that screws right to the top of the can and has the hose leading out). Is this sufficient?

Tim

I have been using the quick charging gun (the blue one with the guage and trigger mechanism that screws right to the top of the can and has the hose leading out). Is this sufficient?

Tim

No way .
You need one of these.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=66773

Wal Mart DEATH KITS

You cannot properly and safely recharge an air condition system with them.

The one side stop and go gauge does not tell you what your system is doing or is over charged or undercharged.
A overcharged or malfunction air condition system can reach over 500 lbs of pressure.
Enough to blow up that can or system and freeze you at first and the burn you or blind you and if any propane /butane in there blow and light you up.

The stop leak crap and who knows what kind of oil in the kits there will stop your system for sure.
Just like pouring super glue in it.
http://www.autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=2&threadid=15719

And some kits even contain freon with a butane mixer.
Good for a big blast.

If you are going to do it do it right and safe.
Here is what you need to start with.
http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=66773

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&Product_Code=DIY-STARTER1

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AMA&P

In the older days you could just throw in a can and go.
But over the years just adding freon is getting harder to do.
Newer systems have to have the correct amount of freon down to the ounces.
Most will need pumped down and vacuumed down and the right and amount of oil and a set amount freon charge installed to get the air to cool right and the system to last.
If an air condition is low there is usually a leak that needs fixed and also a lose of lubricating oil from system.
Also air and moisture enters a low system
If you are going to try to do it get the proper type air condition gauge set with the low and high side gauges.
Hook up the gauges and get a reading with compressor running at idle and at 2000 rpm on the high and low side.
Post back pressure reading and we can help you.
MT

By the way- I'm not exactly sure what was replaced, (no receipts and not that mechanically inclined to know), but I remember the guy I bought this from back in Jan. telling me about something with the ac system being replaced and I wonder if something went wrong in that respect that is putting out the 60 degree ac.

Also-I really don't have the time in terms of waiting to get this working-
Does anyone happen to know what type of place would be best to have any service of this nature performed at.

I appreciate the replies so far-
Thanks-
Tim

By the way- I'm not exactly sure what was replaced, (no receipts and not that mechanically inclined to know), but I remember the guy I bought this from back in Jan. telling me about something with the ac system being replaced and I wonder if something went wrong in that respect that is putting out the 60 degree ac.

Also-I really don't have the time in terms of waiting to get this working-
Does anyone happen to know what type of place would be best to have any service of this nature performed at.

I appreciate the replies so far-
Thanks-
Tim

Chain stores and jiffie lubs are a hit and miss some good and some not so good.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

Good Luck MT
And let us know how it goes.