YACT: Overfilled AC, what did I break?

[jagec]

Originally posted by: Hellspawn
the pressure in the system can also depend on the ambient temperature. I learned this the hard way about 2 years ago. The compressor on my 01 Jeep Cherokee was cycling on and off quite often, checked it with the cheapo gauge that comes with a top-off'kit from walmart.. hehe, it was about 75f and kept adding until the needle was in the OK zone. Didn't realize it was also pumping in oil and dye. Worked fine until it hit 95 two days later, pressure went skyhigh, the relief valve on the back of the compressor let go, sprayed the engine bay with green dye. That saved the compressor. Had to go to a shop and have them evacuate the system, including the excess oil and refill correctly.


lesson learned
fill kit $14
garage evacuate and proper refill: $65
not knowing what the hell I was doing: not worth a friggin penny.

bah. learned then to leave some things to those who know what they are doing.

PV=nRT FTW!

 

[Shawn]

could moisture in the line cause the compressor to seize?

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: Shawn
could moisture in the line cause the compressor to seize?

That would be a lot of moisture.

Did you check both the high side and the low side pressures?

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: radioouman

Originally posted by: Shawn
could moisture in the line cause the compressor to seize?

That would be a lot of moisture.

Did you check both the high side and the low side pressures?

Well I didn't replace the dryer like I was supposed to since they forgot to send it when I ordered my compressor.:Q I only checked the low side since the gauge I have only fits the low side. Anyway, my compressor rotates now that I let all the freon out. That should mean that it's not seized correct? I have a new dryer unopened that I guess I could try. I also have the factory compressor, but I think it leaked freon. At least that's what one of the shops told me a few years back.

 

[Rogeee]

The reciever/dryer is most likely plugged now,inside these canisters are little spheres of dessicant that are fragile, sometimes these spheres break apart when exposed to high pressures thus preventing freon flow through the system.

You can tell when a A/C compressor goes bad by the noise it makes, a low grumbling/rattling noise, this is caused by excessive wear to the plate and rods.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: crustyoldman
The reciever/dryer is most likely plugged now,inside these canisters are little spheres of dessicant that are fragile, sometimes these spheres break apart when exposed to high pressures thus preventing freon flow through the system.

You can tell when a A/C compressor goes bad by the noise it makes, a low grumbling/rattling noise, this is caused by excessive wear to the plate and rods.

Hmm, so do you think that by replacing the reciever/dryer all will be well? The blockage of freon could also cause the compressor to seize up correct? Now that their is no blockage the compressor spins freely.

 

[IGBT]

..HVAC systems work better slightly under charged because the freon expands as it warms up. Excess freon causes excessive compressor head pressure and can crack the heads.

 

[Wingznut]

Obviously, your compressor is not seized.

Just put it all back together with the new dryer, and the proper amount of oil and freon... And you should be good to go.

 

[Slacker]

Originally posted by: Wingznut
Obviously, your compressor is not seized.

Just put it all back together with the new dryer, and the proper amount of oil and freon... And you should be good to go.

From his description after he removed it, it doesnt sound like it is locked up, but when it was on the car it was tight enough to stall the engine :Q so it sure wasnt turning at that point, looks like he fixed it when he pulled the compressor.

Put it all back together and try again?

 

[Shawn]

Alright I replaced my dryer and have the same problem. I'm guessing it's the expansion valve then? What else could it be? Also I noticed that when the compressor turns off it spins backwards! So there is obviously too much pressure for some reason.

 

[Shawn]

Damn it. I can't seem to find an expansion valve for my car anywhere. Autozone, Napa, and Advance Autoparts don't have it.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn
LOL I seriously doubt the compressor pump is seizing. Don't (auto) units use a solenoid clutch to disengage the compressor so the sheave still spins but the rotor does not? Well if you over charge and your high head pressure cut out breaks that clutch line it will stop too!

Just wondering ... are you female?

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Just wondering ... are you female?

Yes...and I fish too!

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn

Originally posted by: Safeway

Just wondering ... are you female?

Yes...and I fish too!

:thumbsup:

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: Shawn
Alright I replaced my dryer and have the same problem. I'm guessing it's the expansion valve then? What else could it be? Also I noticed that when the compressor turns off it spins backwards! So there is obviously too much pressure for some reason.

Could you give me a better description of the compressor seizing? Is it making noise while the clutch is engaged? Does the compressor stop turning and the belt squeal? What are the pressure readings when this seizing occurs?

Quixfire

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn

Originally posted by: Safeway

Just wondering ... are you female?

Yes...and I fish too!

Wow! Knows cars, computers, and fishes!

Don't tell me you play golf too!

Might be the perfect woman here fellas

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Wow! Knows cars, computers, and fishes!

Don't tell me you play golf too!

Might be the perfect woman here fellas

Only knows what I see others talking about and doing but being a "tom boy" goes a loooong ways.

Golf is fun - I'm actually getting good in the golf cage but I need to brush up on my putts.

 

[boomerang]

If you don't have the means of evacuating the system you can't do this job. You will never get the proper amount of refrigerant in the system.

You can't just open up an AC system, replace components and refill the system with new refrigerant. You need a vacuum pump to suck the system down first. Leaving the system open for a period of time allows moisture (from the air) to enter the system.

This moisture will get absorbed by the desiccant in the receiver/dryer but its capacity is only so much. That's why it's recommended to replace the receiver/dryer in a system that has been opened to the atmosphere. This moisture spells death to an AC system. Not sudden death, but it will create acids that will rot through aluminum tubing, condensers and evaporators.

And no, a vacuum pump will not remove the moisture.