A/C problems

[rum runner]

4.0L V-6 Automatic
R134-A refrigerant

I guess this is the time of year for a/c questions, and I have one

I am not sure which approach to take on repairing my a/c unit. Before the problem occurred, the a/c compressor ran in 4-5 second cycles but cooled ok and it operated that way for some time. I quit using the a/c because of the short cycles. Recently I turned on the a/c out of forgetfulness and it did not cool at all. The compressor still tries to operate in short cycles. Does this sound like a compressor on the way out or a need of freon?

Any help appreciated.

RR

[chr97]

It sounds like you need to recharge it. Have you ever had it recharges before? Manufacturer's sugestion is that you run it a little each month unless you use your defrost in the winter then it will cycle it for you.

[rum runner]

Thanks. Last time it was charged was 2000. 5 years ago. It never gets used in the winter, at least for 5 months.

What about the hose adapter and freon at Autozone, will that do the job?

[Shatteredsoul]

I am an ase cert. mechanic that used to work at a ford dealership and thats what they hired me for was a/c work and i still have the light and all that to check for dye leaks but i also have the can adapter from autozone with a little built in gauge that kind of tells when the freon level is good(in the green) it does a pretty good job and is not that high i would recommend using the freon that has the dye in it just in case it leaks after that is easily seen with a dye light.Hope that helps

[rum runner]

Thanks!

I found the accumulator connection and took off the little black cap. It had a slow bubble where some pressure had come out. Is that normal? The cap seemed to hold the pressure after replacing it. It’s probably been that way for years.

[Baranis]

Originally Posted by rum runner

Thanks!

I found the accumulator connection and took off the little black cap. It had a slow bubble where some pressure had come out. Is that normal? The cap seemed to hold the pressure after replacing it. It’s probably been that way for years.

Mine leaked also, recharged system and re-installed cap and has not
leaked since.

[rum runner]

Your friendly Wal Mart store sells a R-134a kit with freon and a gauge. The can of freon has refrigerant, stop leak, oil charge, leak finder, o-ring conditioner. It says to connect to the low side of unit and hold the can upside down. It even shows a picture of it. Anyone agree with that process?

I thought you held the can upright