Cheap Tester??

[Memphis]

The air doesn't work on my '94. It hasn't since I got it and I knew that it didn't. I was trading the guy my '67 Dodge D200 so you can't be too picky. Now that it is very muggy I would like to have some A/C. What I'm wondering is: is there a cheap way to test it? I know the compressor works because I bypassed the pressure switch once and it would run. I just don't want to dump $20-$30 of refrigerant in there and have it leak back out. Is there anything I can do myself without special tools? Thanks,Scott

 

[Explorin94]

You could repressurize the system and put dye in it. The dye will leak where the problem is and you will need a black light to find it.

 

[Memphis]

How would I pressurize it without putting too much pressure in it?

 

[Explorin94]

You will need to put freon in it and get the system to cylce in the process. If you go over in pressure there is a pop off valve either in a line or at the back of the compressor.

 

[sblake01]

You will need to put freon in it and get the system to cylce in the process. If you go over in pressure there is a pop off valve either in a line or at the back of the compressor.

You need to have it properly tested. The is no 'pop off valve'. You'll either blow a seal or a hose if you over pressurise the system at very least. You could even injure yourself. You need leak detection equipment like a 'sniffer' or a UV light and dye, a charging manifold to read the proper pessure, etc. Why not take it to someone who knows how to work on A/C?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The air doesn't work on my '94. It hasn't since I got it and I knew that it didn't. I was trading the guy my '67 Dodge D200 so you can't be too picky. Now that it is very muggy I would like to have some A/C. What I'm wondering is: is there a cheap way to test it? I know the compressor works because I bypassed the pressure switch once and it would run. I just don't want to dump $20-$30 of refrigerant in there and have it leak back out. Is there anything I can do myself without special tools? Thanks,Scott

All you know is the compressor clutch works and the compressor isn't locked up. Dunno if it actually compresses though.

The dye we use takes a special sniffer to find, for a good one that doesn't freak out for no apparent reason is not cheap.

Take it somewhere and have it fixed right.

 

[Explorin94]

You need to have it properly tested. The is no 'pop off valve'. You'll either blow a seal or a hose if you over pressurise the system at very least. You could even injure yourself. You need leak detection equipment like a 'sniffer' or a UV light and dye, a charging manifold to read the proper pessure, etc. Why not take it to someone who knows how to work on A/C?

Really????? No pop off valve? Funny....my 92 had one at the back of the compressor.

 

[sblake01]

Okay, if you think that's what that is. (and what it's for)

 

[Explorin94]

Okay, if you think that's what that is. (and what it's for)

Ok explain why it relieved pressure from the line then. Better yet how about you tell me what it is since you seem to be the "expert" here?

 

[sblake01]

Ok explain why it relieved pressure from the line then. Better yet how about you tell me what it is since you seem to be the "expert" here?

1. I am I licensed technician and 2. I have no desire to argue. You do what works for you and I'll do what works for me.

 

[--weezl--]

1. I am I licensed technician and 2. I have no desire to argue. You do what works for you and I'll do what works for me.

what's with the snot ass attitude? what are you 12? grow up and answer the question if you want to act like the guy who knows what's going on


yes i said act... i can also claim to be a licensed technician... hell i can claim to be god... doesn't make it so

 

[sblake01]

Arguing on the interet is so pointless. That and I don't think anyone want to hear the eplanation as to why that isn't the proper was to test an A/C system. That coupled with the fact that I'm not the one who first displayed the smart ass attitude. And you're not helping with your response either.......

 

[sblake01]

Oh, and by the way, I'm 61 years old. I've probably forgotten more about cars that most will ever know. I don't come to these websites for advice; it's worth what you pay for it. My day won't be screwed up if I don't get some anecdotal answer on a website and no one else's shoud either. Go ahead, tell me how you think I should answer on a web site. You really think it will make any difference??

 

[Explorin94]

Oh, and by the way, I'm 61 years old. I've probably forgotten more about cars that most will ever know. I don't come to these websites for advice; it's worth what you pay for it. My day won't be screwed up if I don't get some anecdotal answer on a website and no one else's shoud either. Go ahead, tell me how you think I should answer on a web site. You really think it will make any difference??

Maybe you should to realize that others on this site are ASE Certified and also hold certification by the EPA for HVAC. Not just you! If you know the answer then by all means answer it....if not then? The man asked how he should check his A/C System. Obviously he asked here cause he doesn't want to pay the ridiculous price wanted an hour to diagnos the problem. Some of us here have our ways of getting by with some home fixes and they have worked and saved us some cash in the past and then we can pass it on to others. That is what this site is for. If you want paid for it then you should start your own website and go from there. I have no intention of arguing with you either, but when you pipe up about something that you wasn't even there to witness then yeah....the defense kicks in. Your question of "You really think it will make a difference??" I don't know...try it, it might.

 

[sblake01]

If you know the answer then by all means answer it....if not then? The man asked how he should check his A/C System.

I answered the question in post #5. The problem came about later. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone. I think we've moved off track a bit here. By pop-off valve I take you mean the high pressure release valve. It shouldn't go off at all if everything is working right. When it does go off, it usually means there's too much pressure in a more or less properly charged system caused by excess heat. 9 times out of 10 it's because the fan isn't doing it's job, crud on/in the condenser, etc., but I digress. It isn't there to let you know that you've overcharged the system. By the time you've charged to the point where the valve releases, you are already way overcharged, especially if it releases during an engine off or compressor off type charging. A proper set of gauges used while charging will prevent you from ever reaching that point. I don't mean the ones the the auto parts store sells that only measure the low side. I try to discourage people from using what I feel are unsafe practices.