The best solution for you is to take it to a good A/C shop since you do not
understand the operation nor how to troubleshoot the problem. They will know
you tried to charge it due to the oil around the low pressure fitting from
connecting and disconnecting. Another item to light your paranoia of service
shops is the problem may be a hole in the condenser in front of the
radiator. A very common problem anymore is punctures in the condenser due to
rocks hitting them so be prepared.....


"Kevin Highsmith" > wrote in message
. ..
> Hi all
>
> 1996 Chevy Silverado 1500 w/Vortech 350
>
> Just warmed up enough here to turn the A/C on for the first time the other
> day and it blew hot. It was working fine last season, so I figured it just
> needed a recharge.
>
> I bought a kit with the hose, gauge, and can of refrigerant. Everything
> seemed pretty straightforward. It said if the compressor didn't run, to
> empty the whole can into it, it said it would only fit one valve, and it
> had green (low), blue (filled), yellow (alert), and red (danger) zones.
>
> I start the engine, and sure enough it's in the blue. Compressor not
> running.
>
> Attach the can, open it up - goes instantly to red. turn off can, back to
> blue. Turn it on, back to red, off - back to blue. I'm sensing a pattern -
> just let it fill for a while.
>
> It fills and fills and fills - still nothing from the compressor. I start
> to suspect something electrical.
>
> After about ten minutes - the compressor comes on for about 2 seconds.
> Well - it's not electrical.
>
> I turn the can off and take a reading - there's a pattern. The gauge goes
> up to nearly the yellow zone in the green, the compressor comes on for two
> seconds, knocks it to the blue/green borderline, pressure builds back up
> to the green yellow line - repeat. Basically the compressor comes on about
> 2 seconds out of every 15.
>
> I disconnect the can - it's about 3/4 full!
>
> I try adding a bit more - doesn't seem to take it - and the connector
> "spewed" when I disconnected the hose.
>
> I realize now I'm probably not looking at a DIY repair. It would be NICE
> if I could fix it, as I'm driving 5 hours tomorrow. But mainly at this
> point I'd like to have an idea of what to expect at the mechanic - what to
> say or what not to say - what to expect, etc.
>
> I have a feeling I shouldn't even mention I tried to recharge it. "Uh -
> no - of course that didn't work, because you need a whole new system". I
> just don't want to walk in somewhere looking like a gaping billfold to
> someone.
>
> Any ideas what might be going on - what to expect, what to say?
>
> Can I assume, A) it's charged, B) it's not electrical, and C) the
> compressor's not frozen up?
>
> Thanks for any input!
> Kevin
>
>