Re: AC problem

[dcewing1 <dcewing1@cwix.com>]

If you put too much oil in the A/C system it isn't going to work right.  The
squeal you are hearing is more than likely the clutch going bad, or gone
bad.  The only other thing it could be is the tensioner or the compressor
screamming out because TOO MUCH LUBE.  When recharging, you only have to add
the amount of oil that you think it may have lost.  An A/C system is just
like a motor, it only takes so much oil.  You can trash your A/C system by
putting too much oil in it.  I would take it somewhere where you can have
someone evacuate it.  This pulls everything out until there is a vacuum of
around 28-30 psi.  Once the evacuation is complete, the machine will shut
off, then check the gauge and see if it drops at all.  If it does, (drops to
15-0 psi of vacuum), then more than likely you have a leak.  At this time,
put around a 1 lb charge into it then use a leak detector sniffer and check
for leaks.  If you don't want to take it to a shop, you will need to follow
the A/C lines through the whole system and check for oil seeping around
fittings/gaskets/seals/maybe holes in the condensor or evaporator.  Whatever
you do, make sure you don't BREATH the R134a.  It damages your lungs,
PERMANANTLY!!  And, if your system has a sticker that says it has PAG oil in
it, don't even touch it.  PAG oil will eat whatever it touches and there is
no neutralizer, you just have to wait until it stops eating (and you can't
wash it off!)  I am a technician and I don't even touch those systems.
Anyway, that is the BEST way to do it.  More than likely, you got too much
oil in it and it sounds like the clutch is screaching.  I couldn't tell you
that it is because of the amount of oil you put in, but it is a possibility.
One last thing.  R134a is a lower pressure coolant.  You have to put a
little more R134a in than the amount of R12 your system calls for.  Again,
if the pressures are too high, you could mess up your system, if it is too
low, then it won't get cold enough.  If you put enough in to get it to
around 38-42 deg. F while driving, it should be fine.  If you get any
colder, the evaporator could freeze up or the system could burn up
(compressor).  If you charge it when it is around 55 - 75 deg F outside,
around 40-45 deg f. at an idle should be ok.  I know all of this sounds
complicated, and an A/C system isn't all that complicated, but there are a
lot of things you need to watch out for that only experience can teach you.
Good Luck!!

Dave


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