Hey guys,
My project this week is to get my A/C working on my daily driver. I used to be able to handle the heat but not this year. It is driving me insane

So the blower works very well. However when I press the A/C light it seems like the compressor doesn't react at all. My buddy says if it is out of refrigerant, then it won't engage. Is this true?

I am mainly just looking for some information to help me on this weeks adventure. Any suggestions about what it could be (starting from easy to hard) and any infromation I could use (like what type of system is for an 1985)?

 

That is true. When there is little or no refrigerant in the system, the compressor clutch will not engage. The best thing to do is to put some refrigerant in the system and then inject some UV dye (you can get this at any auto parts store). That'd be the best way to start.

 

Yeah if there is no pressure in the system the clutch wont engage. I have the same problem. My truck is still R-12. I have no idea how to switch it over correctly. I'm definetly subscribing to this one.

 

my 1985 runs on r-12 and one day i tried to put the other kind and filled it up but it only lasted like a day or two but very cold ..........i need to change all the system

 

Thats because there is a hole in your system. It all leaked out. But you cant just straight put the new stuff in. You have to change the compressor oil and I dont know what else.

 

ya but its system is r-12 and was running the other kind ................i will check it again ....................

 

No, you can put in R-12 just fine. Your not sposed to run R-124 coolant with the R-12 oil. Something is different about the two idk I need to do some more research.

 

i put it and just fine but the leak .....................

 

I bought a kit from autozone. All it said to do was change the fittings and recharge it (cause I didn't have any pressure with the original R-12. It didn't say anything about the oil and didn't come with any. It is working awesome!!!!

Hopefully it will last. The kit was $40.

 

you are right. R-12 uses a mineral oil and R-134a uses a PAG oil (Polyalkylene Glycol).

 

The ac on my truck slowly went out. I tried to recharge it but it would not take any more. The clutch engages when I turn it on and there is a noise coming from the compressor. It kinda sounds like a worn out bearing. Anybody have any suggestions as to what I should do? Or would it be best to replace the compressor?

 

take it some where, pay out the azz, that the only way it get fix right. If you dont know what you doing, it will never get fix

 

yeah well i could get a diag for like 60 bucks and then at least i would know what needed replacing

 

If you recharged your system and it leaks out, then you need to replace some o-rings. The o-rings can be found next to the refrigerant at any auto parts store. I would recommend buying some UV dye and check to see where the leak is. Then replace the appropriate seal. Recharge you system and you should be good to go. Your A/C compressor won't turn on without any pressure in the system due to a dual pressure switch. Also, if your A/C light doesn't come on when it's turned on, replace the A/C fuse which should be located behind your glove box.