Re: A/C - typical pressures on low side?

[Luis Marques <marques@rtis.ray.com>]

"Creel, Kenneth" <kenneth.e.creel@lmco.com> wrote:
> I recently had my A/C recharged at Wal-Mart ($25/lb, thanks to whoever
> posted).  The system only had 0.6 lb in it.  That was removed, the
> system vacuum tested, and 2.25 lb added.  I watched the entire
> procedure.  The tech had problems disconnecting the high pressure hose
> and R-12 was spraying everywhere.  I protested, but he said "it's
> coming out of the machine."  It was a cool day, and the A/C seemed to
> work.  Hot days since then disprove this.

Just a few weeks ago I had to go through fixing my A/C.  At first I
though the system had a big leak beacuse it had stopped working over the
course of only three days.  The system was pressure tested and no leaks
were found.  Then it was vacuum tested, and again no leaks were found. 
A partial recharge made it cool again for a few days, but then it was
warm again.  Only after using an electronic R-12 sniffer could we find
the very small leak in the dryer.  The over pressure/temp. fuse had
partially blown resulting in a small leak that could only be found with
the proper diagnostic equipment.  A simple vaccum test is NOT enough. 
And at $25/lb, R-12 is an expensive comodity!!  Oh, and don't forget to
check the schreader valves.  They may be bad, but with the
diagnostic/recharging hoses attached, you won't be able to pick it up. 
Better change them as well to be on the safe side.  HTH

Luis Marques
'87 4kcq