Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

John, a most generous offer....

Please recall that a pro would use an AC machine with a 30# bottle and just dump in the factory charge. 99.999% of the time this is sufficient for the comp to start.

Hola, please state mileage.
It sounds like you are using the type of kit that only has the low side gauge. Please be sure you have the standard MSG gauge set such as pictured in John's avatar.
Be careful when jumping, you can do damage.
Was there any black sludge or glittery bits on the OT? Please ...

At 76*F the pressure inside the cans or tank will be 80 PSI according to the PT chart. This PSI is without the compressor doing anything. So, 85 PSI doesn't mean much. IMO I believe you need more charge. I would start by adding another can

Is this a high mileage car? If you are over 100K, then I would have them change out both the condenser and the O-ring.
The system needs to be empty in order for them to change out either one.

"I changed it out with a compressor from the salvage yard."
IMO all bets are off

Did you try the comp that came with the car?

That would not be unusual

I have never seen such a fitting. It would seem that something is not quite right. I would make sure that the 'flared' fitting will seat all the way into the housing, it looks like it might be too long. Are you able to compare your hose with others made for the same purpose?
I would be tempted to ...

I would try cold hose in Florida. My apologies to Tim.

IMO the best way to locate a leak is to partially charge with 1/2 can of refrigerant, and then use a leak sniffer. They have a wand on them and you can get the tip of the wand into tight spaces. The price of these sniffers has come down. It is hard to imagine that the integrity of the shaft seal can ...