Major AC leak after installing new components

[heuster]

I guess the short of it is, that this A/C system has history. I'll try and walk you through the relevant things that happened recently that leads to where I am at with it. I feel like this is a solvable problem, but I just dont know where to turn now.

1 - Replaced entire A/C system 2 years ago (compressor, condenser, dryer, expansion valve(rear AC), orifice tube, monifold lines.

2 - Compressor started to fail twice(not enough oil was installed). Refunded and bought a Four Seasons that I just put in with a new Dryer, orifice tube, and compressor.

3 - Pulled vacuum and held -30 on the gauge for over an hour. Appeared to be all tight.

4 - Pulled over an hour worth of vacuum after that to clear out all lines or air and water

5 - filled with 62oz of freon and a total of 11oz of oil

6 - Running perfectly, blowing cold, drove about 5 miles, blew great.

7 - Parked in the driveway to clean out the garage. Sat for about 2 hours

8 - Started it up and turned on the AC and freon started blowing out between where the manifold lines attached to the compressor.

9 - Every time I turn the AC on now, it blows freon out from that location

10 - Checked the torque on the bolt for the manifold hoses to the compressor and it is perfect

Not sure what to do. It ran perfectly fine until I turned off the car and let it sit. I did all my validations prior to filling with freon and it was perfect. Now what...

 

[stamp11127]

Check the high and low side pressues then recover what is left in the system, change the o-ring where the lines connect to the compressor and recharge. While the lines are off, inspect both matting surfaces for damage or cracks. If the high side pressure was extremely high there is a blockage. This will also show the low side going into a vacuum.

 

[heuster]

Check the high and low side pressues then recover what is left in the system, change the o-ring where the lines connect to the compressor and recharge. While the lines are off, inspect both matting surfaces for damage or cracks. If the high side pressure was extremely high there is a blockage. This will also show the low side going into a vacuum.

Wouldn't the fact that it filled fine and worked perfectly show that there is no blockage? All my pressures were good when I filled it. I cleaned the surface on the hose before I installed it and the o-ring on the compressor is brand new and held a -30 vacuum for over an hour. Feels like something funny is happening...

The new compressor came with two small metal sleeves that I had no idea what to do with...something I missed?

 

[stamp11127]

That was then, this is now.

Without a blockage the system works. Block the orifice tube and the high side can go past 475psi very quickly while the low pressure side goes into a vacuum.

Any time there is a problem with ac or refrigeration, first order of business is to check the pressures.

Metal sleeves, never had a new compressor come with them so I can't help you there. Call the vendor and ask where they are supposed to go or what their purpose is.

 

[heuster]

I cannot get an answer from Four Seasons on this - the pressures on the high side are high. At this point, what do I replace in order to get this back to working order? I did order a condenser, and I just replaced the compessor, dryer, and orifice tube. If I replace the condenser and orifice tube again, and blow out the AC lines from the firewall back and the front manifold lines, will that be good enough? I bought the flush canister and will use some of the AC solvent from Autozone if it will work well enough.

Thanks for the help

 

[stamp11127]

Tossing parts and blindly working on it will mostly waist your time. If there is a blockage where is it located? You should diagnosis and determine what is really happening.

Just how high are the pressures?

 

[heuster]

Around 260 on the high side. It it blowing out the pressure release on the manifold lines. confirmed that today, not the seal between the manifold and compressor. It stops blowing and runs "fine" doesn't blow real cold. the guy who looked at it today says that he thinks there is too much oil in the system and I need to blow it all out and refill. I didn't really remove any of the previous oil in the system and I added 8oz more to what was already in the new compressor - so there is 11oz plus whatever was in the system. Doesn't appear to be a blockage, but I don't know for sure. Should I go ahead and replace the condenser anyway? Blow the lines out from the firewall back and empty the oil out of the dryer and manifold lines? How much should I account for being left in the compressor when I fill it back up?

 

[stamp11127]

The 260 isn't "high" as compared to a real blockage that will push 450+ psi.
As far as I know there aren't pressure releases on the lines, only pressure switches or transducers. The compressor has a safety that will lift in the high 400's.

I would remove the compressor, drain the oil into a measuring cup, flush the components, add new oil to the compressor and one ounce of oil to each component - total amount of oil is not to exceed the manufacturer listed amount.

 

[Dannydude]

I would say after doing the repair just take it it to a. Ac shop and have them replace o-rings and any gaskets

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