A/C Compressor kicking on and off non-stop

[sd-slider]

When I turn on the A/C the pump kicks on, then off a second later. It does this repeatedly until I turn it back off.

Will a low refridgerant pressure cause this, or could the relay or pressure switch be bad?

Summers coming and I'd rather not stink up my seats.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[QwikStop]

Sounds like its low on freon, you would need to check it out with a set of gauges and see how the high and low sides are fluctuating

 

[rev. 3:11]

x2 Probably low pressure on refrigerant (most likely scenario)

D

 

[sd-slider]

Assuming it's low, what is everyone recharging with these days?

I'll have it vacuumed out and converted with whatever everyone's using these days.

Thanks

 

[626gn]

I've been having the same symptoms recently. After doing some research I've decided to just refill with R-12 instead of converting. R-12 is still readily available and prices seem to be going down due to lack of demand. Check Craigslist.

 

[sd-slider]

$850 for 30lbs out here...2oz cans for $5 each.

How many lbs or oz's does the system require?

 

[626gn]

If completely empty you'll need 3.25lbs.

 

[626gn]

You should also check for leaks. Not sure how long you've had the car but that could be the reason you're low on freon.

 

[sd-slider]

The auto shop on campus has an R12 service unit to evac the old and also do a leakdown test. SoCal is real stingy on the R12 supply...

I've had the car for 6 years.

 

[belsie]

I converted mine in Fl for $800 w/ new (don't buy rebuilt) compressor, dryer & misc items.
134 is fine !

 

[earlbrown]

Just ass a little R12 till it reads good. If that doesn't work you're only out a couple bucks. If it does work, you're only out a couple bucks.

 

[sd-slider]

Finding just a little for a couple bucks is harder than it sounds...still looking for some locally.

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[626gn]

Just ass a little R12 till it reads good.

Didn't know R12 came from ass. I need to try that

 

[standupjskiguy]

If you cannot find the R-12, you can convert to 134a easily.
You get the conversion fittings, evacuate the system, add about 8 oz of PAG oil and fill
to 80% with r134a. I did this with our 85T years ago and it works okay. It may not be as cool
but I don't drive on really hot days. You'll have to look for more detailed info on this site.
R-12 was crazy expensive back when I did the conversion.
For my 87, which I want to keep as original as possible,
I was able to get a tank of about 20 lbs for $130 off Ebay.
I figured it was worth it to keep the car original.
If you don't use the AC system regularly, it will lose pressure over time on it's own.
The fact that you have some in the system suggests it's probably okay
and just lost some of it's charge.
They have some "drop in replacement" R-12 also but I know nothing about how good that is.

 

[VIN7]

I had converted to R134 and it would cool but right on the edge of being comfortable. But I'm in South Florida with a big front mount. Finally had enough and redid the system with R12. Cools really well even on upper 80s weather in stop/go traffic. I do have a Be Cool radiator and dual Spal fans.

85* day, center vent temp 38*

 

[5280GN]

Do not use pag oil in a converted R12 system. You need to user ester oil. When pag and mineral mix they turn to jelly. I recommend doing the whole system, because the condenser and evaporater are new parallel designs that are more efficient and cool better with the r134a

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[Jerryl]

Do not use pag oil in a converted R12 system. You need to user ester oil. When pag and mineral mix they turn to jelly. I recommend doing the whole system, because the condenser and evaporater are new parallel designs that are more efficient and cool better with the r134a

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^^^^This. I went from R12 to R134, back to R12 on a stock spec'd system. It gets hot in Texas, and when I don't want it cool, I drive the bike.

 

[sd-slider]

Thanks for all the feedback.

The plan is to evacuate the system, flush it out, and stand by for a week or so until either I find some R12 locally or begrudgingly do the conversion.

Thanks again.


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[earlbrown]

I would wait for the R12. It's more efficient than 134. Newer cars can account for that with bigger A/C components (and more parasitic drag). Last time I looked it was all over Ebay and craigslist. You just had to 'promise' you were HVAC certified when you bought it.

 

[Jerryl]

Agree with earlbrown on r12. There is no licensing requirement of you purchase individual cans (at least not in Texas). There may be a license requirement if you buy bulk, and that depends how you plan to use it. The statement is for cya, and that doesn't even matter.