I'm pretty handy, but heretofore I've always hired out HVAC work.
Alas, the $2800 estimate from the one local shop I trust got me pricing out the DiY option for the previous uncharted territory of A/C work. Since a new compressor kit, manifold gauges, and vacuum pump could all be had for $800, I decided to DiY it.
The compressor swap mostly went fine, other than the usual serpentine tensioner struggle on a 20 year old J35. Dang they run them tight.
However, since I replaced the compressor, the A/C just seems not very cold. During the peak heat of the day recently, after 30 minutes on recirculate, the main vents were still discharging at temps in the low 60s while the vehicle was in motion and airflow across the condenser was sufficient. When set to pull in outside air, the delta T i between ambient and vent temps is not even 20F. That seems pretty weak.
I feel like I did it all "right", very conscientiously ensuring the correct 7oz of PAG46 and 32oz of R134a were in the system. Low side pressures are between 40 and 50psi when it's set to maximum output (lowest temps setting, highest fan speed) in ambient temps in the mid 80F range. I don't recall what high side pressures were, but I want to say 130-150?
There's no evidence of abnormal cycling. The clutch is engaging perfectly and staying engaged. The temperatures across vents are pretty consistent, as is the airflow, so there's no evidence of anything awry there.
When I charged the system, it passed a 45 minute vacuum leakdown check and I pulled it down for another 45min with a pump rated to 28 microns before admitting any refrigerant.
The compressor was the only element of the system I replaced.
Did I do something wrong? Do I need to be patient and wait and see? My other vehicles have MUCH colder air conditioning, and before the compressor failure, it seemed quite a bit colder.
Best theory I can come up with is that the prior compressor failure actually generated debris in the refrigerant section and that this debris is now creating a low flow condition at the evaporator. I have no idea how I could check for this. I'm REALLY trying to avoid throwing a ton of money into a 20 year old van.
It's humbling to have to ask for advice on this, but I am quite out of my wheelhouse in doing A/C work.
What's a "normal" vent temperature? I can't get mine to go below 55F under any conditions seen in the last 24 hours, including in the cooler ambients of dusk.
Alas, the $2800 estimate from the one local shop I trust got me pricing out the DiY option for the previous uncharted territory of A/C work. Since a new compressor kit, manifold gauges, and vacuum pump could all be had for $800, I decided to DiY it.
The compressor swap mostly went fine, other than the usual serpentine tensioner struggle on a 20 year old J35. Dang they run them tight.
However, since I replaced the compressor, the A/C just seems not very cold. During the peak heat of the day recently, after 30 minutes on recirculate, the main vents were still discharging at temps in the low 60s while the vehicle was in motion and airflow across the condenser was sufficient. When set to pull in outside air, the delta T i between ambient and vent temps is not even 20F. That seems pretty weak.
I feel like I did it all "right", very conscientiously ensuring the correct 7oz of PAG46 and 32oz of R134a were in the system. Low side pressures are between 40 and 50psi when it's set to maximum output (lowest temps setting, highest fan speed) in ambient temps in the mid 80F range. I don't recall what high side pressures were, but I want to say 130-150?
There's no evidence of abnormal cycling. The clutch is engaging perfectly and staying engaged. The temperatures across vents are pretty consistent, as is the airflow, so there's no evidence of anything awry there.
When I charged the system, it passed a 45 minute vacuum leakdown check and I pulled it down for another 45min with a pump rated to 28 microns before admitting any refrigerant.
The compressor was the only element of the system I replaced.
Did I do something wrong? Do I need to be patient and wait and see? My other vehicles have MUCH colder air conditioning, and before the compressor failure, it seemed quite a bit colder.
Best theory I can come up with is that the prior compressor failure actually generated debris in the refrigerant section and that this debris is now creating a low flow condition at the evaporator. I have no idea how I could check for this. I'm REALLY trying to avoid throwing a ton of money into a 20 year old van.
It's humbling to have to ask for advice on this, but I am quite out of my wheelhouse in doing A/C work.
What's a "normal" vent temperature? I can't get mine to go below 55F under any conditions seen in the last 24 hours, including in the cooler ambients of dusk.
