Year: 2003
Make: Dodge
Model: Grand Caravan
Engine Size: 3.8
Refrigerant Type: 134A
Ambient Temp: 103
Pressure Low: 50
Pressure High: 380
Country of Origin: United States
Ac died about a year and a half ago, compressor just clicking. The van has front and rear AC and calls for 43oz of refrigerant.
I just replaced the compressor and the drier as I didn't/don't have enough money to replace everything. I added 8 oz of oil as the old compressor only had a drop in it and the old drier had none. I figured the compressor should have around 7 oz and the drier should have around 1 oz. I arrived at this based on how much oiul the system should have in it and how much each component should hold. And I don't believe the system had no oil as it still had a charge before I opened it up.
So I replaced the compressor and drier and pulled a vacuum on it for about an hour, and then let it sit to check for leaks. Everything checked out so I charged into the vacuum. Unfortunately the gauge set I used didn't allow me to charge into it so I charged it blind, with the gauges.
So here I am with the AC working, but not cooling as well as it should. My pressures are off. 50psi low and 380psi high. The high may drift into the 420 range for a few seconds but tends to sit around 380. I was looking for a low of 50-55psi and a high of 300-325psi. The compressor cycles but only sometimes. During my last test it didn't cycle at all, just stayed on. And with the vehicle off I have 135psi low and 110psi high.
When I connected to the high port on the drier I had a surprising amount of oil spray out. Wasn't expecting that.
So what am I likely looking at. A clogged orifice tube? An orifice tube clogged because I put too much oil in the compressor? If this is a possible cause can I vent some of the oil from the drier? It's also entirely possible that I put too much 134a in it as well. Hopefully some of you experts may be able to point in the right direction on this. I stressed over the oil amount because it was only a semi-educated guess!
I'm close, and the van keeps us from sweating right now in 100+ weather, but I want to make it as right as I can without spending money that I don't have.
Thank you in advance for any and all help that you may be able to provide.
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