mwpayne

Ok, I have/had a noisy compressor, but now the clutch doesn't kick on (noise in compressor seems to have stopped..I put 12v on the wire, compressor engages and air gets cold). So, the compressor is not getting 'told' to come on. I've cleaned all connections I can find & no fuse is blown I can see. System is charged according to the cheapo gauge that came with the R-134.
Any Ideas? (84 SE)

Rex4Life

Break out the FSM wiring diagram and trace back from the compressor to where you have voltage. There are two relays and several switches that need to work properly to engage the compressor.

I hope that sound you heard in the compressor was not liquid refrigerant chugging thru. If that keeps happening you're likely to blow your compressor.

Did you remove all the old refrigerant and oil? This is a must. The oils can combine and turn to sludge.

Did you pump down to a good vacuum (500-1000 microns) and hold before recharging with R-134a/ester oil? This is a must. Air in the system will give high head pressures and make your system work alot for very little cooling. Water vapor can get in from the air and freeze up in your expansion valve.

Did you put on a new filter drier? The old ones are frequently not compatible with 134a and ester oil. They then decompose and start clogging your expansion valve.

I've always felt these cheapo R-134a conversions were asking for trouble unless you really know what you are doing. If you don't I suggest you take it to a good AC tech. These AC systems are a slightly different animal compared to engines.

Hope you get it working before it really gets hot.

ryan12321

well if any of the A/C components go bad I have my full A/c system that i'm selling very cheap.

mwpayne

REX4LIFE

I am using my haynes (all I have) and it mentions a relay under the hood, but very vague as to where. The system was empty, has been for years. All I have done is replace the dryer and add the coolant. Initially, the compressor came on as I was adding the coolant, air blew cool. Then, the LOUD noise. I switched off the ac, noise gone. I did this 2 or three times, compressor engaged every time, but loud squeal. I sut down for the night. Next day, I noticed the belt was loose. Fixed that, ever since the compressor no-engage. The noise might have been the loose belt slipping, but it didn't sound like a belt.
Can you give me an idea where the relay is? Maybe I'm better off going to a good shop, huh!

mwpayne

C'mon you AC gurus, I'd love to fix this myself..gimme a steer into what relay to check, etc..

Rex4Life

Well there are 3 AC relays and they are all right there by the brake master where the front harness comes through the firewall. If your haynes doesn't tell you where they are the FSM will, go to www.iluvmyrx7.com and look in the wiring diagram section for the relay locations. Double check you have the right relay by looking at the wire colors going into it.

Good Luck

Pele

iTrader: (28)

I also don't like those AC kits from Wal*Mart or where ever...

AC work requires a set of manifold gauges, a vacuum pump, and a refrigerant tank scale at the very least.... I've never seen a kit include any of those.

Additional supplies are a leakage detector, ultraviolet light, and UV responsive dye/oil...

I'm gonna say electrical problem first, but if you don't already have a blown compressor, it's gonna go soon.

Buddy of mine's dad filled his AC... All his dad had were some hoses, one of which fit the R134A tank, and one of which fit the R12 Nipple on the car... Cut the hoses and clamped them to a small piece of pipe. Hooked the tank to the car and turned it upside down for like 15 mins... Called it done... Compressor blew up after a few miles of driving.

mwpayne

Hmmm...you guys have convinced me. I'll fool around with the relays, but I'll take it to a good shop to make sure alls ok.
Thanks!