The car:

1998 Accord EX, automatic


The situation:

No A/C. Added a can of R134a... Some A/C, it got fairly cold. After a week, no more cold at all, though the compressor was turning.

I added a can of R134a with some dye to look for leaks. A/C at outlet vent got to just above 60 degrees F. It was about 80 degrees today in full sun. System was on recirculation.

I couldn't find any leaks.

I took some readings with the gauges:

System running, compressor engaged, all that -- LOW: 31psi HIGH: 175psi

I waited 2 hours, at which time it was getting dark, outside temp had dropped to about 72 degrees F.

System running, compressor engaged, all that -- LOW: 25psi HIGH: 175psi

I noticed that the compressor would run a couple mins, then quit for about a minute, then re-engage, cycling like that endlessly. When the compressor quit, the LOW side would jump to about 90psi, HIGH would stay about the same.

Still getting cold inside.

I see no evidence of leaks anywhere, using that dye and this little UV penlight. I know that it brightly illuminates the dye because I got some on my fingers and they glowed bright green like you wouldn't believe.

 

the pressure readings you have are pretty good. most of the time leaks are fairly small and always in a place you can't access (at least for me anyway ) probably have to drive it around for a few days and then check it again. based on your vent temp with an ambient temp of 80 degrees, it probably did not have a full charge. vent temps should be at least 40 degrees below outside temps on recirc.

 

Thanks for that info!

Yes, it most definetly does not have a full charge. The compressor wouldn't kick on until I added that 12 oz can.

I don't want to add another because I suspect I have a leak... those cans of R-124a are 20 bucks a pop!!