A/C compessor drag after adding freon
#1
A/C compessor drag after adding freon
The kid's air conditioning hadn't been working very well. So I decided to add some Freon.
Initial air outlet temp (with system on Recirculate) was ~60F on an 85F day. After adding one 12 oz. can of R134, the temp came down to ~50F.
But then all of a sudden, the compressor started engaging with a CLUNK and cycling on and off. The A/C REALLY loads the system down now, RPM drops to 500...sounds labored.
PS: The OEM compressor had been professionally replaced with an aftermarket unit, in August 2016.
What have I done????
Initial air outlet temp (with system on Recirculate) was ~60F on an 85F day. After adding one 12 oz. can of R134, the temp came down to ~50F.
But then all of a sudden, the compressor started engaging with a CLUNK and cycling on and off. The A/C REALLY loads the system down now, RPM drops to 500...sounds labored.
PS: The OEM compressor had been professionally replaced with an aftermarket unit, in August 2016.
What have I done????
Last edited by Carbuff2; 06-17-2018 at 03:06 PM.
#3
My gauge set was on loan. Yeah, **TSK TSK** I know.
Still, I've charged plenty of systems just by monitoring outlet temps. And 50F. isn't that low in my experience.
Got a call out to the guy who borrowed my gauges.
+++++++++
You think I've just overcharged it? It was a really sudden issue!
Still, I've charged plenty of systems just by monitoring outlet temps. And 50F. isn't that low in my experience.
Got a call out to the guy who borrowed my gauges.
+++++++++
You think I've just overcharged it? It was a really sudden issue!
#6
Yes, I think it is overcharged (car not here presently). I used 'plain vanilla' R134 (no oil).
Will have my manifold gauges back tonight.
I was just so surprised about the laboring symptom, and that started SO suddenly. The outlet temp never got really cold. Most cars, outlet temp comes down into the 40sF but this happened at about 50F. My reason for posting was, could I have created an issue with the compressor?
Will have my manifold gauges back tonight.
I was just so surprised about the laboring symptom, and that started SO suddenly. The outlet temp never got really cold. Most cars, outlet temp comes down into the 40sF but this happened at about 50F. My reason for posting was, could I have created an issue with the compressor?
#7
Not really. According to the service manual, Fit uses compressor with no pistons so damage to compressor is highly unlikely. Nowadays cars are much more delicate than 30 years ago; I experimented with R12 substitutes in my 87 Camry, then run bare R134a on empty system, before finally scoring some R12 and charging it after condenser change and complete system flash. The compressor survived, but clutch plate got scored (I replaced it on the car). The repair lasted 4 years and was still working when I retired the car
#8
Hehe. I have done the same .. used a can with a "gauge" on it, didn't realize the gauge only updates when you RELEASE the trigger! Whoops. Car blew air so cold that steam would appear in front of the vents when the compressor kicked on. You could freeze Han Solo in front of my vents, briefly, until the extra pressure leaked out over time.
My car needs a charge usually every year, slow leak somewhere. Not yet worth investigating in depth. Although this summer, doesn't seem to yet.
I think you should just let some out and see if things get better ... good news is, just by adding or removing refrigerant, you aren't likely to damage anything. If you can't figure it out, an AC pro can help and there's no harm done ahead of that. It's not impossible your high temps were due to something else and the fact that you filled it is not relevant. But overfilling is simplest explanation
My car needs a charge usually every year, slow leak somewhere. Not yet worth investigating in depth. Although this summer, doesn't seem to yet.
I think you should just let some out and see if things get better ... good news is, just by adding or removing refrigerant, you aren't likely to damage anything. If you can't figure it out, an AC pro can help and there's no harm done ahead of that. It's not impossible your high temps were due to something else and the fact that you filled it is not relevant. But overfilling is simplest explanation
#9
OK, today we threw the manifold set on it...yes it had been horribly overcharged. Well, not horribly, but that's what I get for proceeding without all my 'toys'.
So after releasing excess pressure the system is working well...45F. at the vents, no loading. I was afraid I broke something. <FACEPALM>
So after releasing excess pressure the system is working well...45F. at the vents, no loading. I was afraid I broke something. <FACEPALM>
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