garageman402
$100 Site Donor 2024
I thought I better start a new thread, don't mean to hijack. This is my question copy&pasted from mrlawnguy thread on 7/27/21
My compressor stopped working I assumed due to low pressure. I pushed the Schrader valve in, still had a tiny bit of pressure, so I assumed the system hadn't sucked in any air/moisture. I bought the can pictured here, noting it had oil and seal swell, didn't notice the sealer. The system was last charged 10 years ago, so it's a good assumption just normal loss from seepage had occurred.
So I used the whole 20oz can, and low pressure side was barely out of the "low" white area (around 25#). The gauge is reusable, so I returned the empty can for my $10 deposit (CA requires a $10 deposit to ensure proper return/recycling of the can), and bought two of the 12oz cans. I put in one 12oz can and the low side is now not quite to the middle of the green area around 35#. Revving the engine dropped the pressure to 25 so I did that to get the most out of the can, then at idle got the 35# reading. You can tell when the system is not taking any more, as the can stops feeling cold.
This is the 2000 Pontiac Montana minivan with rear A/C, which takes 2.88lbs (46oz). So far I have put in 32oz, and have the reading around 35# on the low side at idle.
Two questions: (1) The normal seepage of refrigerant over 10 years would not deplete much oil, so the oil contained in the first 20oz can should be enough so adding the 12oz can(s) with no oil would be ok? (2) Knowing there was very little refrigerant left in the system, would it be wise to add the second 12oz can to bring total added refrigerant to 44oz?
Thoughts?
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