andrewenglish

Well, I tried recharging my A/C today and I failed. Lol.

Full story:

A while ago, I had to remove my radiator. So that means all of my refrigerant left with it. I decided today that I would add 134 to it and finally be able to use my A/C. I got a recharge kit, hooked it up w/ A/C on full blast and the pressure read 0 and the compressor wasn't kicking on. So I added some refrigerant and the compressor began clicking on and off in about 5ish second intervals. While the compressor was off, the needle on the gauge would slowly rise up to the right-ish edge of the green area of the gauge, then when the compressor kicked on the pressure would slowly fall almost back to zero. I believe I added about over half of the 20oz. can of refrigerant... With the A/C off and engine running, the pressure in the low line read really high, like way into the red.. turn the A/C on and the issue I described above begins occurring.

Could I still just be low on refrigerant? Maybe that stupid little gauge just doesn't read well? I know the A/C worked really well before I had to take the radiator out, so I don't think I damaged the compressor or anything, but then again I don't have a good understanding of how the A/C works.

Any help would be much appreciated

I should probably add...

2001 XJ 4.0, and yes I was adding the refrigerant to the low-side port

I ARE EL1TE

Probably just low on refrigerant. When the compressor cycles on and off every few seconds, a low pressure sensor is turning the compressor off.

andrewenglish

So you think if I add more of that 20oz can I would be OK? I don't want to over charge it... I would guess there's about 12oz in there right now

Thanks

sthon

You do know you don't have to remove the AC condenser to replace the radiator, yes? Take it into a shop and have it done right, before you end having to replace a bunch of parts.

andrewenglish

I know that, but when I took the radiator out the refrigerant came out too... I was just saying that in the process of doing that, I didn't think I damaged the compressor or anything in the process...

Just qualifying my previous statement that it worked perfectly before...

PDXJ

I have no input on a solution just waiting for the Forum Police to show up and Chastise you for Releasing Refrigerant into the atmosphere!

sthon

Your best bet is to have it vacuumed out and refilled. Take it in.

sthon

27k fine for that ****. 10k reward for reporting someone.

Radi

That.^^
Since you opened it to the atmosphere you'll need to pull a vacuum on it. I skipped that step on DW's Chrysler and it cost me a compressor when it iced up internally.

andrewenglish

Would anyone like to clue me in on the proper way to remove the radiator then? For next time?

sthon

unbolt it from the AC condenser....

PDXJ

Holy Cow are you serious? Man I am glad I don't live in CA, California North (Oregon on the Maps) is bad enough.

Radi

Oh good Lord, lol. That would be an accidental "de minimis" release by someone NOT holding an EPA license. There isn't going to be any 27,500 fine.

andrewenglish

I won't be living in CA much longer. The taxes are just unbearable here. And you'll have to excuse my ignorance with vehicles. This is my first time EVER working on a vehicle... I figured I would teach myself as I went along with the help of the internet and a friend. Can't expect me to do everything perfectly. Made a mistake, learned a lesson.

sthon

Yeah, I doubt there would be any fine with 1 accidental release. Intentionally dumping it is another story.