AC Troubleshooting continued...

[Motor Sport Visions Photography]

I dove back in today armed with new patiance, daylight, digital meter,
and book-o-Bentley in hand. Here's what I found:

No compressor clutch activation because the low pressure switch is open.
I suppose that means low or no freon.

A refresher on the situation, road trip, 2-3 hours in, very warm day
(85-95 degrees f), loud noise, belt upside down, engine stalled twice. 

New information...In looking closer today I noted that the upper door of
the recirc flaps is stuck open. (I thought I fixed that but apparently
only got the lower door working again?) I wonder if the excess inlet air
warmth to the evaporator contributed to the system melt-down? I
temporarily bypassed the pressure switch and the compressor does pull in
and run (allbeit rattlier than ever...not that it was very quiet
before). But, no cold air, no pressure to close the switch (presumably)
but I didn't dare run it for long.

So, now I wonder what to do next. I suppose it is pretty safe to assume
that the freon blew/leaked out when the episode happened and perhaps the
compressor failed as well? Before I go before the mercy of some local AC
shop monkeylads (anyone know of a good AC shop near Santa Cruz CA?), I
wonder if there is anything further I can do. Do I take it in for a
system check and recharge and see what happens or????? All help and
advice will be greatly appreceated. TIA!

Thank goodness there is a cooling trend forecast but I know I'm going to
melt driving to Sears Point and back this Friday and Sunday (being a
coastal dweller I melt above about 80-85 degrees....)

Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
htpp://www.motorsportvisions.com