A/C problem

[stockmover]

95 Camry LE 4cyl.

I recently found out that my condenser had leak in it. Today I had the mechanic install the new condenser and recharge the system with freon.

When I left, everything was working fine. Air was cold and I drove about 35 miles home. Upon arriving home with the car in park, I noticed the sound is rather loud coming from under the hood. I turned the AC button, on and off and only hear it when the AC is on.

It sounds like its coming from the compressor. Does anyone have suggestions? I do know that (3) 13oz bottles of R134a was added to the system. Maybe its an overcharge of the system? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[davemac2]

it could be a lack of oil, a slipping clutch, maybe an overcharge. did he add at least 2oz of oil back into the system with the new condenser? You would have lost some left in the old one.

dave mc

[stockmover]

Thanks for the swift reply. I will check tomorrow if he added oil. I know the cans I bought said stop leak added, but not oil. I hope its something simple that I can do myself. Its a hassle to put the car in the shop.

Originally Posted by davemac2

it could be a lack of oil, a slipping clutch, maybe an overcharge. did he add at least 2oz of oil back into the system with the new condenser? You would have lost some left in the old one.

dave mc

[davemac2]

You should not have added stop leak unfortunately. That stuff can block up your expansion valve and cause high pressures for the compressor. You should be able to inject 2oz of oil yourself if you just buy it in the can and inject it into the low side gradually. Don't keep running the A/C if you have determined it needs the oil. I think the freon charge spec for your camry is 24-26oz, so 3 full 13oz cans would be an overcharge. Even if the mech left 2oz in each can, that's still 33oz. Excessive freon in the system can cause higher hi side pressures and less compressor lubrication. (ie. think dissovled lubricant oz per oz of freon)

dave mc

[JohnGD]

Look at the underhood sticker. It should tell you what refrigerant you're using and how much. And then find a good AC shop. Your last one doesn't sound too competent.

[JohnGD]

Are these the Walmart cans? Aren't these just o-ring conditioners?

Originally Posted by stockmover

Thanks for the swift reply. I will check tomorrow if he added oil. I know the cans I bought said stop leak added, but not oil. I hope its something simple that I can do myself. Its a hassle to put the car in the shop.

[Stillrunning]

95 FSM calls for 1.4 oz for condenser and .34 oz for receiver/dryer. So davemac2 is correct if receiver also replaced - and it should have been. I would check on oil added as too much oil will reduced cooling capacity of system. If system was leaking and a number of refills were done then more oil might be needed. Oil volume is an art and some guess work. My understanding of off the shelf stop leak is it's just seal conditioner and will not affect expansion valve.

[stockmover]

Not from walmart but Autozone. They were actual R134a cans, just had stop leak added to it. I got what the mechanic asked for, I do not know much about it at all.

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Are these the Walmart cans? Aren't these just o-ring conditioners?

[stockmover]

Thanks for the reply....

I went to Murray's today for some AC oil. I found it but the sales assc said he thought it was the compressor clutch itself. At the moment I decided against buying the oil but I will return and try the oil before buying a compressor.

I try to do the work on my car myself but things like this are over my head so I have to rely on the mechanic.

Originally Posted by Stillrunning

95 FSM calls for 1.4 oz for condenser and .34 oz for receiver/dryer. So davemac2 is correct if receiver also replaced - and it should have been. I would check on oil added as too much oil will reduced cooling capacity of system. If system was leaking and a number of refills were done then more oil might be needed. Oil volume is an art and some guess work. My understanding of off the shelf stop leak is it's just seal conditioner and will not affect expansion valve.

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by stockmover

95 Camry LE 4cyl.
I do know that (3) 13oz bottles of R134a was added to the system.

System recharge calls for about 30oz. If all 3 cans were used then system is overcharged, but mechanic may have used only part of third can but charged you for entire can. Seeing as you have cold air I would say charge is probably ok. Right now I would take it back to mechanic and ask him to advise and tell you how much oil he added and if he replaced receiver/dryer.

[stockmover]

Thanks for the advice. I bought a charging coupler and a small 3oz. can of oil for 134a systems. I am not sure if I did it correctly but the can seems lighter now and the compressor is quieter than what it was but not silent. There is still a faint knocking sound. I will play around with it tomorrow before work to see if I can get some more into the system. The charging coupler I got did not seem to have a trigger to empty the can. If I read the directions correctly, its saying to twist the valve and puncture the can then twist it back open so the vapor can be released?

Regardless, the system is quieter and I did check the gauge and it said the system had enough freon.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by davemac2

You should not have added stop leak unfortunately. That stuff can block up your expansion valve and cause high pressures for the compressor. You should be able to inject 2oz of oil yourself if you just buy it in the can and inject it into the low side gradually. Don't keep running the A/C if you have determined it needs the oil. I think the freon charge spec for your camry is 24-26oz, so 3 full 13oz cans would be an overcharge. Even if the mech left 2oz in each can, that's still 33oz. Excessive freon in the system can cause higher hi side pressures and less compressor lubrication. (ie. think dissovled lubricant oz per oz of freon)

dave mc