AC not functioning correctly

[George Selby]

Ok, the short answer is it was low on freon.

The longer answer.  I unplugged everything I could see (mainly the high
pressure switch) that was attached to any AC hard line, and jumpered
it.  (Incidentally, I couldn't find the low side switch, where it is?.) No
net effect, the compressor still cycles too fast.  So I get out my handy
dandy AC gauge set, and hook it up.  First thing I notice is the internal
compressor seal is shot, as the pressures equalize on the high side and low
side when the compressor isn't engaged.  High side doesn't really get up
that high, even when the compressor is running, low pulls right on down,
though.  So I bite the bullet and drag out my emergency reserve of R12 (I
got a 10 lb jug on eBay about 2 years ago, I still have about 1/2 left,)
and toss in a little juice.  After a short moment of charging, the AC
compressor started staying on longer and longer.  So I go an look at my
vent temp gauge, and the vent temp is 40 degrees again, and I'm not even on
recirc mode - which is better than before, as I had to put it in recirc to
get vent temps that cold before.

I couldn't even feel a change in the weight of my charge jug, so hopefully
it took less than a pound to fill it back up.  Also, being that the
previous charge lasted from at least June to August, hopefully this charge
will take me through the rest of the summer (it stays hot here until Sept
or Oct!) If I still have the car next spring, and intent to drive it next
summer, I'll replace the compressor and convert it to R-134a.

Thanks for the help.

George Selby
83 Audi Coupe GT
89 Audi 80
gselby4x4 at earthlink.net