I was curious i have charge my a/c compressor back up to where it needs to be... it blows cold as snow, even on hot 90 degree days, but my compressor kicks in and out the whole time... i dont know if it had been doing this all along or just started doing so. It seems that it does it quite often and it may or may not be a problem. Just curious if anyone knew anything about this. By the way its in a 88 vert w/ 75k actual miles, all original except for minor mods.

Krishant

 

The compressor will cycle on and off depending on evaporator temp. There is a sight glass on the passenger side front. Look into the sight glass when compressor running. No bubbles should be visable. If you see streaks, or minimum amout of bubbles, system a slight bit low on refrigerant. If it's all original, R12 would be needed, unless someone converted to R134. If it's cold and cools down fine, leave it alone. When you notice a higher outlet temp, then have it looked after.

 

i just thought it was doing it a bit too much...like once or twice a minute...but i guess as long as it gets the job done...

 

thats what my previous owner did. he said it costs about $10 to change the refrigerant versus like $300-400 for the R12. I guess its worth the time if you could find out how to do it.

 

On that refrigerant issue....R12 will be clear in the sight glass if the pressure is correct,
HOWEVER, IF YOU GET A CLEAR GLASS WITH R134a YOU WILL BLOW THE SYSTEM....R134a OPERATES ON A HIGHER HEAD PRESSURE AND YOU WILL SEE A FLOW IN THE SIGHT GLASS IF THE PRESSURE IS CORRECT......DO NOT PRESSURIZE UNTIL CLEAR WITH R134a

...and you don't have to take my word for it....just check with an A/C tech...and they will tell you the same thing...