How do you check AC compressor?
 

My AC does not work. F'n car is hotter n hell. The guy who sold it to me said it needed a shot of freon (the old stuff, a shop by my house said they can convert it for 135 dollars, hows that sound?). Anyway, how do I know if the compressor is working? I would hate to just fill it with freon and then have some other problem. Any help.

Scruff

same thing is wrong with mine...but i'm a window guy.


it would be nice to have AC tho.

Both my 86.5 and my new 89 have non-working AC systems :( My 86,5 has freon in it but the clutch on the compressor must be out bacause it will not kick on. The 89 has no freon in the system but it is at least a sealed complete system. Im thinking about having the 89 system charged with freon, and the 86.5 rebuilt to accept 134a. Just havent had the cash to do so quite yet.

Its always a gamble
 

Me too....oh...no..that's not me, thats the other guys answers...sorry!

Now then...
My A/C (converted to R134a 3 years ago) will freeze you out. It sits between 40* & 45*. I keep a pocket thermometer in the center vent.

The shop will test the system for leaks, electrical operation, and if it will work. If there is an obvious leak, they are not allowed to leave the freon in the system.

Ask questions, and throw it out to them about "what if".

At my shop, If the system seems ok, and we convert and charge it up, and then discover a leak, or some other problem (like the compressor is bad, or very noisy), and you don't want to fix it, we will suck back out the R134a and not charge the customer for it. The only charge would be for the conversion kit ($40), and the service fee ($50).

Its a gamble, like the rest of life. And $$$$$$ make life's gamble easier to handle when you lose.

Compressor
 

I wish you had a shop by me. Anyhows, I had a guy who works for the bus company doing only AC look at my compressor. He said the clutch wasn't turning, but that's probably because it has no freon. O.K., I figure there is a leak that needs to be fixed, but will they be able to detect like major problems before they start? Whadaya think MrNickleye?

Scruff

One more question
 

Can they check for the leaks, damage, electrical and all that b.s. before the conversion?

Thanks

89 Ac Unit
 

Yep, my boys 89 has same problem, no AC, but the compressor works, I was told to convert it from old to new only to screw on the new valve onto the old valve, and then you will be able to charge the 134, Is this a good assumption???

A/C convert.
 

You can TEST to see if the clutch is good, and if the compressor is not locked up, by juming 12v to the compressor wire while the engine is running. Just for 10 seconds.

If it seems to work.....

It is possible to buy the fittings and put them on. Just be sure to remove the schrader valves from the original fittings first. You can get one of those cheap R134a install hose kits and a can of it.

You will be hooking the hose to the fitting on the compressor, the 'low side'. With the engine off !!!

This will help you find out if there are any NOTICEABLE leaks.

Look at all the fittings and hoses. Use a mechanics stethoscope with a hose attached to listen for leaks.

Let it sit over night, then, using a pocket screwdriver, press on the schrader valve to see if any freon is still in the system. Yes, pressure, then you could go and have it finished converting at the shop.
No...then there is a leak that must be repaired first. A shop will be better able to find it.
....................................

You need to do more than just put the fittings on to convert to R134a.


The system must be flushed with a special solvent, then Its best to replace the dryer. Then it must be vacuumed down to 28 in. mercury for at least an hour (better fo 2 hrs), to remove moisture.

Then approx. 4 to 8 oz. of special oil is added that is compatible with both R12 and R134a.

Then the R134a is added, 1 1/2 lbs. And some dye, which we always ad so later, if it starts blowing warm, then we can find the leak easier.

Thats why you need to have a shop do it.