So, I've read a bunch of threads and especially liked the one started by GrossGary ($2 and $15minutes), and followed much advise, but still, no cold air coming out of my system.
I have a 2003 OB, 3.0L, with about 140+K miles on it. Just bought it from original owner. No records to indicate any a/c work. It was sold with disclaimer of hot air from a/c so all up front.
I've replaced the two O-rings next to the compressor. they were indeed stiff and brittle so in need of replacing. No obvious gunk or dirt around those areas that would have indicated leak.
I first tested the Schrader valve and got zero pressure feedback when i pushed down on it - so i figured essentially bone dry. No wetness under the cap was observed.
Bought a 25ounce can of R134 complete with hose and gauge.
Started car; ran a/c on highest fanspeed for a few minutes; and then attached the hose to the lower port. Ran the car for another 5-7 minutes. The compressor kicked in early and worked just fine.
During this time i'd test (..hand in front of..) the cold air coming from the vents inside the car and it was nice and artic(ish) cold.
It suched up just about all of the content of the can so likely bone dry.
The gauge that shows the pressure indicated fully charged. Tested the schrader valve and got nice spray to show at least some in there. The fan blows lots of air thru the system/vents when you change the speeds.
Mission accomplished?
Shut down the car, had lunch and went out for drive. Outside air about 70F so good time to use a/c. But, back to normal - not cold air coming out of vents. Somewhat less hot than before, but not the artic(ish) cold that i felt when as i was charging the system.
I have not yet black lighted to see if any other leaks. Two days have passed and i have been checking the pressure (with the gauge and the schrader valve) - it seems fine; no obvious loss of pressure or leaks.
Does not matter if i put it on AUTO, AUTO Economy, or just plain A/C. Heat works just great and fans are strong and put thru large volume of air, just not cold air.
I'm looking for recommendations for next steps for troubleshooting.
I have a 2003 OB, 3.0L, with about 140+K miles on it. Just bought it from original owner. No records to indicate any a/c work. It was sold with disclaimer of hot air from a/c so all up front.
I've replaced the two O-rings next to the compressor. they were indeed stiff and brittle so in need of replacing. No obvious gunk or dirt around those areas that would have indicated leak.
I first tested the Schrader valve and got zero pressure feedback when i pushed down on it - so i figured essentially bone dry. No wetness under the cap was observed.
Bought a 25ounce can of R134 complete with hose and gauge.
Started car; ran a/c on highest fanspeed for a few minutes; and then attached the hose to the lower port. Ran the car for another 5-7 minutes. The compressor kicked in early and worked just fine.
During this time i'd test (..hand in front of..) the cold air coming from the vents inside the car and it was nice and artic(ish) cold.
It suched up just about all of the content of the can so likely bone dry.
The gauge that shows the pressure indicated fully charged. Tested the schrader valve and got nice spray to show at least some in there. The fan blows lots of air thru the system/vents when you change the speeds.
Mission accomplished?
Shut down the car, had lunch and went out for drive. Outside air about 70F so good time to use a/c. But, back to normal - not cold air coming out of vents. Somewhat less hot than before, but not the artic(ish) cold that i felt when as i was charging the system.
I have not yet black lighted to see if any other leaks. Two days have passed and i have been checking the pressure (with the gauge and the schrader valve) - it seems fine; no obvious loss of pressure or leaks.
Does not matter if i put it on AUTO, AUTO Economy, or just plain A/C. Heat works just great and fans are strong and put thru large volume of air, just not cold air.
I'm looking for recommendations for next steps for troubleshooting.