I found some spare time today at work to charge my AC with 134a, but I ran into a interesting problem. Once I opened the low side to let the 134a in the compressor kicked on and started making noise like valve chatter and increased with rpm. Another problem I saw was the low side gauge was bouncing and I saw the low side line get cold for about 8 inches away from the compressor then stopped. I knew I had problems so I evacuated the system only to realize it only took on a very small amount of R134 so I know I'm clogged somewhere.

My questions are, where do you think my clog may be and with this chattering noise is my compressor needing to be replaced?

 

Your A/C system on an 89 uses R-12, not R-134A. R-134A works at different pressures than R-12 and does not lube the system properly. If you get it to work at all it won't be long till your compresser locks up from a lack of lube. You can by a R-134A compatable compresser and change out a few other parts to get it to work right.

 

the compressor should work on either. the conversion kit only contains o-rings and adapters to hook up the 134 gauges. if you do have a clog it will be in the expansion valve/orifice. right where the high side hose goes into the evaporator in the firewall.

 

looks like I have some work to do once money is available.

 

or just swap out the AC into an onboard air compressor