1995 air conditioning problem

[xfarmer]

We finally got some warm weather here in Michigan and I was able to try out the air conditioning for the first time this season. It never really got to the point where it would cool the air in the car. I stopped and bought a refill kit on my way home to recharge the system. When I connected the tube to the port, the pressure gauge would vary between "low" and the "filled" indicators. Every time the needle on the pressure gauge changed, the condensor unit would make a "click" sound. I tried charging the system anyways, and the pressure seemed to steady at the "filled" position, but, is this an indication that the condensor unit is about to fail?

Thanks for your help,

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[yogi_123rd]

Sounds like your system is full of freon - normal operation. I think by condensor unit, you really mean the compressor with the V-belt on the engine. The relays causes a clutch on the compressor's v-belt wheel to engage. The compressor does not run all the time, but just until a certain pressure in the freon is reached. Then it shuts off. When it engages, you'll hear a relay click, the engine's idle drop a bit (it's under more load) then steady out.

Normally the compressor should be coming on every 15-20 seconds running the AC. If the compressor runs all the time, you are usually low on freon.

Check that your air vents inside the car are blowing air out them. If they are not, check if there is air coming out your defroster instead of the vents. The vents operate on engine vacuum. A rubber line from the engine connects to a vacuum resevoir on the firewall just below the vacuum booster unit. Another line from the AC/Heater unit connects to that resevoir too. The rubber hoses could be disconnected or dry rotted.

[xfarmer]

Thanks Yogi 123rd,
The relay was clicking on and off about every 5 seconds or so before I added the freon. After adding freon, the pressure stayed up on the gauge and the relay quit clicking on and off. It seems it got to a point where no more freon could be added. I could press the spray button and it didn't seem to do any good any more. There are warnings not to over charge the system, but that seems impossible. It is blowing real cold air now so hopfully it is good for at least this summer.
Thanks Again,
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