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Compressor/AC system concerns after recharge

mikem234 on Thu July 03, 2008 1:18 AM User is offline

Year: 1996
Make: acura
Model: integra
Engine Size: 1.8
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Country of Origin: United States

Hello,

Line has been disconnected by previous owner, I replaced the dryer/filter and had a shop draw vacuum.. then refilled with 1.1 1.2 cans.. i'm not using high end gauges, just whatever came with the kit (basically a gauge with fitting to low site and screws onto can on the other end).. I stopped filling right when it hit blue area of the gauge (filled).. i didn't think of using oil until afterwards.. searching around bumped into this site (very useful information on here).. however.. i'd like to resolve this with what i have.. my other 2 cars (no a/c problems) same gauge shows reading right where blue/green area meet, same gauge shows reading a bit higher still in blue area (i know.. get some real gauges etc.. but bare with me..)

i have 3 questions

1. if i overfilled by a bit, basically, i added no more than 1 or 1.2 cans total - how can that be drained with my current tools
2. i don't want to disconnect just to add oil and pay to draw vacuum again.. but, if i add oil through low pressure line.. will it be safe or will it raise the pressure of the system
3. compressor makes high screeching noise for 2-3 seconds when system first turned on followed by 1/4-1/2 second screeching noises at random times while driving..

any help appreciated.. thank you!

Chick on Thu July 03, 2008 7:44 AM User is offlineView users profile

Do you like your car? Then why are you trying to kill it? Just kidding, but you did everything wrong. The system capacity is 24 ounces of R134a, and 5 ounces Pag 46 oil. It's not rocket science but you do need to do it right..Can't stress that enough. First a deep vacuum needs to be pulled after you add the oil (You don;'t know how much oil is in there either) then you charge into the vacuum 2 cans which will be 24 ounces. BUT! You do need both high and low pressures while doing it, if you don't believe me, ask the counter person at the store that sold you the death kit if they will warrant your quickly repair..Smile as they run to the back of the store..You have two choices here. Buy the right tools to service your AC or bring it to a qualified shop for vacuum and charge. They will ask a few questions to help them determine if a system flush is needed, or just add some oil. Opps, there is a third choice, you can drive the summer with the windows down.. As I said, it's not rocket science, but it has to be doing right. The squealing is most likely due to a system loaded with air..
Do it right, and you'll do it once..

PS: I see you had a shop draw a vacuum? then why didn't they charge the system?? they would have spotted any problems you may have??

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

mk378 on Thu July 03, 2008 10:56 AM User is offline

The service hoses should not be disconnected while the system is under vacuum, because the shrader valves have been known to let air in. They are designed to hold against pressure, not vacuum. So the recharge should be done right after evacuating, at the same place.

mikem234 on Thu July 03, 2008 6:46 PM User is offline

thanks all for response.. didn't charge the system because it saves over 100 dollars on top of 60 i already spent, they want to charge identifier and all sorts of other stuff.. for that money i wish i already knew about this site.. i was charged close to a grand to fix ac on other car.. from identifier to flush and all sorts of other mark ups on parts.. i was determined to fix this one myself. i wish i knew about diy kits but couldn't find anything through search engines until referral to this site..


i should have spend the extra money.. as i have air in the system.. so..

i have couple questions.. if i leave it as it is (the car does blow ice cold air)..

1. what could happen if it is air thats making noise??
2. should i add oil.. or leave it as it is.. if i leave it as it is.. what could happen?



Chick on Thu July 03, 2008 8:09 PM User is offlineView users profile

Many lessons in life cost money, but you learn from them. We can't say for sure if your compressor is bad or not, but it still need to be done properly. Yes, there are shops out there that charge way to much for what they do..But there are honest shops that actually help people. I would suggest, if you plan to take these repairs on yourself in the future, to invest in the equipment. Maybe the wife will give you a birthday present... You will make all your money back by fixing friends and neighbors cars once they learn you know how, and have the equipment, and there is nothing like fixing your own car, standing back and enjoying your work. You already would have saved money..If not, then shop around for an honest shop in your area, get estimates before committing to any of them, and fix this one properly..If you have air in the system, I suggest you don't use the AC because you will ruin the compressor and the costs will only go up..Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

mikem234 on Thu July 03, 2008 8:30 PM User is offline

gotcha.. to be more specific.. what type of damage could occur to compressor?

Chick on Thu July 03, 2008 8:42 PM User is offlineView users profile

Kaboom comes to mind..Lack of lubrication, high pressures, all part of the screaching...Compressor seizure and broken drive belt..



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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

Edited: Thu July 03, 2008 at 8:49 PM by Chick

iceman2555 on Thu July 03, 2008 8:43 PM User is offlineView users profile

MMMMM...let me think....'like total disintegration'....heavy contamination...requiring chancing most of the components....removal of the evap to completely flush the system....possible new TXV....New Compressor...New Condenser....New Drier/Filter.....and...oh, yes....another evacuation and recharge.....

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

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