2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission stumped

[DIESELWRKS]

I charged my ac with 2 cans showed still alittle low put in half of another. next day started truck. 5min later kicked on ac, ac made a louder growling noise it was off and on. drove to the store engine is at full temp. when returning it looked like I had a radiator fluid leak. pass side manly around engine mount area. quick look was not pouring out but it did have a good puddle. drove home not far. inspected the block. no jackets were leaking all fluid was below the head down around the block tube from the turbo oil line. and engine mount. I thought it was radiator fluid. I then clean off everything. started truck let it run ran high rpm nothing. turned on AC and no more noise just the compresser cycles every min. watched it stop then cycle. I realized the type of ac recharge fluid I put in had dye in it and its green bright green. the fluid did seem thicker than radiator fluid. now the truck will not leak after driving it again for 20 min with ac on or off. I know my gauge was new I was using but is it possible to over fill and the ac would burp/leak it out. the system is a high pressure system. so what are your thoughts on this. wouldn't think a leak would just stop. sorry for the long read.





2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-DD3600 TST PM3/*REVO-BETA*SMARTY MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 " FTE 6" STACK D/PRICOL GAUGES, FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, 3/8 FUEL LINE, DSS-BOX DT PRO-FAB TRAC BAR, CONV-T STYLE STEERING,DUNKS TRACTION BARS, AIR BAGS,17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 37" TOYO MT'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT. :-laf... THANKS RIP DiPricol Gauges

 

[SDrake]

I hesitate to inject anything into this subject because there are so many paramaters. But let me say this. It is very hit or miss trying to get the right amount of charge into a system using the pressure guages. It is a pretty safe proceedure if you sneek up on it. Add some and see how it works. Without knowing how much was in there already you have to guess how much to add. The pressure is vital information but you can still be over or under without taking other things into account. From all you said, chanches are pretty good you over filled. The compressor will cycle from too much pressure which one contributor would be too much freon, or from too little pressure as the system works with too little freon.



I am not aware of what blows when the system high pressure is exceeded. I thought the high pressure cutout was the only protection. Some older vehicles have pressure relief. You may just have a leak that leaked faster until some of the fluid escaped and it slowed down. Leaks are sometimes a night mare to find.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

If I recall there is a safety overpressure device mounted on the back of the compressor, is this near where you saw the leak?? If you did overfill the system then at times during engagment the compressor will bark, growl, make other strange noises, and spit refrigerant. Can you take some of the spillage and put it on a hot manifold?? Basically its a lubricating oil rather than antifreeze so it wil smoke not sizzle. There are many others here more qualified in HVAC to help you, but I've learned from them overcharging (accidental or intended) will inhibit your cooling. If you need an overcharge to get chilled something else is wrong. BTW since you have dye in the system you can scan for leaks elsewhere—recently in pet stores I've seen $6. 00 UV pocket lights for spotting pet urine, wonder if it would lite the dye (much handier to use under the hood)?? Anybody tried one??

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YUP - sounds like overfilling the system - too much refrigerant, or too much lubricant - maybe both! The excess is non-compressible, causes a condition called "slugging" - and in older systems, could damage the compressor or other system parts - it's much like getting too much liquid inside a combustion chamber - the piston - or rotor in this case - is unable to compress a liquid, so something HAS to give - either a gasket, a relief valve - or in a bad instance, the case of the compressor!

 

[Skydiver]

DIESELWRKS, It depends on the ambient temp. For refilling I use the temp section on the low pressure side of my guage. If I'm filling on a cool day I set it for 36-38F, a hot day gets 48-50F. The best way is a measured charge.
If it is the "high pressure cutout switch" kicking off the comp, that can be caused from bugs in the condensor, bad fan clutch, clogged expansion valve, pinched line or air in the system. Clean the bugs from the condensor with a strong air source.
The principle of any cooling system is to transfer heat. They do not cool anything, they transfer heat from place to another. At least that's what my tech school instructor taught me. LOL

 

[DIESELWRKS]

THANKS so yeah sounds like a overfill. and yes the fluid did sizzle and burn on the down pipe. seemed like the mojority of fluid was shot or hit the engine mount on the front side of it. everywhere else I think was from wind and gravity. the funny thing is I have used the AC 2 time now and no repeat leak.

I will take it in to a HVAC auto shop just dont know where to take it yet in my area. summer is coming and dont need a pissy wife in the truck if its hot:-laf. thanks.

 

[Skydiver]

Make her ride in the back with the dogs.
Do you own a good set of R134 gages?

 

[DIESELWRKS]

Make her ride in the back with the dogs.

Do you own a good set of R134 gages?

no she complains already of the 6" miter stack. gauge I thought I did maybe not now.