I have a problem that maybe someone on here can help with. Any help would certainly be appreciated. The air conditioner in my wifes car, a 96 z24 (2.4), is having a problem. I thought the compressor was bad, so I put a new compressor on it today (in 99 degree heat). The air conditioner started getting nice and cold after gassing it up and driving it around the block. Once back in the driveway, the r134a started shooting out, just like a relief valve popped or something. Got out of the car, and it appears to be coming from around the manifold where the lines connect to the compressor. I put some new seals in, and start to gas it back up. This time only to 30 lbs (I had gassed to 35lbs the first time). I got up to about 29 lbs, and the same thing. The refrigerant started shooting out. I crawled under the car, and the die was everywhere, but seemed to originate from the manifold (Even with the new seals and tightened down good. I checked the pressure, and it was still setting at around 20lbs. Added more, and the same thing when I got to around 30 psi. It reminds me of a relief valve on an air compressor like you use in a garage. When you get to much pressure a valve would open. I checked all the lines, and there seemed to be no holes or cracks. It is getting up to 100 degree and the wife and child use this car. No air is pretty rough. I did not hook a vacuum up to it when adding the r134a. The system was empty when I started. Could this be because of no using a vacuum? There isn't any kind of relief valve on these are there? I looked around the high pressure fittings and around the condensor and it did not seem to be coming from there. I really think I am having trouble with the line manifolds connecting and sealing good. Once they get a certain pressure, they just give way. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
1st off you need to replace the accumulator(receiver/dryer) because it contains desiccant and whenever you open up the A/C it gets ruined.
2nd - Refrigerant is added by weight, not pressure.
3rd - Vacuuming out the system is very important, you have to remove all the air so it is as close to 100% uncontaminated refrigerant as possible. You also use the vacuum to test to see if there are any leaks.
As i have already said 3 times this week, A/C work should never be done by a backyard mechanic. It is very easy to get in over your head and cause more damage when you dont know what you are doing(as you probably know by now). The quickest/easiest/cheapest way to fix an A/C system is to take it to a garage with the proper tool and certified techs.
Im certified to work on any and all A/C or refrigerant systems and i will not do any of the work at my house because i do not have the proper equipment.
I will agree. You can replace the compressor, accumulator, orifice tube yourself, but take it to a shop to get vacuumed and recharged. Well worth the ~$100 in my opinion. Taking my car to get that done today, actually. Replaced the parts day before yesterday. Also, did you remember to add oil to the compressor? Not sure what model the 2.4 uses, but the 2.2s V5 requires 2oz in the compressor crankcase, via a bolt that faces the radiator when installed. It's on the "belly", not sure where it is or even if the 2.4 has it, but don't forget to check.
Thanks for the help. will make some calls tomorrow to get it in to get evacuated and gassed up. I appreciate it.
Thanks for the help. will make some calls tomorrow to get it in to get evacuated and gassed up. I appreciate it.
