1991 Park Avenue A/C issues

Discussion in 'The Big Chill' started by The Devil, Aug 21, 2010.

  1. The Devil

    The Devil Well-Known Member

    I hope this vehicle isn't too new for the board, it is my given to me free 1991 Park Avenue Ultra. The air conditioning is non-functional. I can stumble/fumble/bumble my way through being told what to do with an A/C system, somewhat know how it works, but,

    I have a few questions. I already know it is an R12 system, and, that it has almost NO charge in it, which makes me think there is a serious leak someplace, as I did find both the blue and red pressure check/fill valves somewhat loose on their fittings.

    I am aware that this system won't turn the compressor on if the system is too low of refrigerant, in an effort to save the compressor from damage. Of course, with no pressure in the system, the compressor clutch doesn't engage.

    One question about the compressor is, when the center shaft is turned by hand, as I have done when the engine is stopped, should I feel any kind of resistance, as in pistons running up and down bores in an engine, like some of the older compressors have, or, should the end part of the clutch feel like there is NO resistance of any kind? I have not felt NO resistance in the compressor in any of the older systems I have had, they always felt like they were turning internal parts against resistance of some kind.

    Also, if/when I find more loose connections, and tighten them, can I simply add freon to the system, and see if the whole gooey mess works? Will the system do a fill without the compressor functioning enough to get it working?

    Eventually, if the system actually only had loose connections, and no significant damage, I will convert to R134. Any issues in a NON-A/C familiar home mechanic doing the conversion, hard, easy??

    I just went through making the ignition key switch resistor bypass for the VATS system, will do the complete removal some time in the winter. This thing definitely ain't my older Buicks for sure, they are easy to work on, this thing is too full of gadgets and things way too complicated.

    Thanks,

    Regards,

    Milton
     

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