AC Trouble

[joereef]

As I posted earlier I converted to R-134a. I had a leaky valve stem and lost some refrigerant. I exchanged the manifold gauges cause the low pressure side was pegged. I tried to add more refrigerant but it just wouldn't take any. I checked the pressure readings and got pegged on the low and 125 on the High Pressure side. Can anyone please tell me what's going on.
I forgot to mention its a 93 show and I put on the 134a cycling switch. Its not cycling now the compressor is running constant.

 

[jimtash]

When you converted, what did you change out? Did you evacuate the system? How many cans of R134 did you use?

I evacuated mine for an hour and then let it sit with the gauges still hooked up for another hour before I even thought of adding refrigerant. Then I jumped the cycling switch connector and added 3 12oz cans. Gauges were normal and have had no issues with it.

 

[joereef]

I only changed the cycling switch for R-134a conversion. I evacuated the system for 45 min. Then I added 6 oz. of ester oil and 30 oz. of R-134a refrigerant. It blew real cold but as it got warmed up the compressor clutch started slipping. I had to hit it to get it started so I new I had to remove a shim. The following morning I worked on the shim removal then noticed a leak on the suction side valve due to the 134 a conversion stem. When I went to recharge the system thats when it would not take any refrigerant. manifold gauge was pegged on the low side and would not go above 125 on the high side.

 

[jimtash]

Did you replace the accumulator? Replace the discharge hose? Properly flush out all the remaining lines, the evaporator and condenser? Change out all the o rings to neoprene? If not, that's your problem. Accumulator replacement is mandatory when converting over to R134 or anytime the system is opened up. And it sounds like you have moisture in the system. Evacuating the system will not remove moisture in the accumulator and the desiccant will only hold so much before it no longer functions.

Mine took 36 oz of R134 and 8oz of Ester. And it has the original cycling switch.

 

[joereef]

accumalator

Is the accumulator difficult to replace and how much does it cost roughly, if you know?
Can I still salvage my system. What is the dissicant. is that another word for the discharge hose?
Is that difficult to change as well. is it expensive. I'm retired and on a fixed income. Not much play money.

 

[luigisho]

You can find them anywhere from $50-100. You have to check to see the different part numbers on axt and mtx 93 cars

 

[joereef]

are they difficult to replace, does it just bolt to the firewall.

 

[luigisho]

Sorta. You should get (or get a look at) a year specific manual to check all the mounting points. There may be a bracket or two to keep the attached hardline from moving around. Haven't looked at it in a while. You probably need O-rings, ****, and disconnect tool. Hopefully the other hoses that connect are in good shape. A few are corroded really bad at the connection end(s).

I was going to overhaul my whole system myself this summer but didn't have the time for a first time w/learning curve & had a shop rehab the whole thing.

 

[joereef]

Thanks for your help. Now I need someone to show me the necessary diagrams.

 

[luigisho]

For 93-95 cars, you should reference whether you have a manual or auto trans car when asking for help as there are generally enough differences to matter.

 

[jimtash]

are they difficult to replace, does it just bolt to the firewall.

Accumulator is big can looking thing the cycling switch screws onto. It's attached to the evaporator.

 

[joereef]

accumalator

I know where its at I already changed the cycling switch. I just wanted to see where all the bolts or clamps I need to remove. I have a automatic transmission. Thanks