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#1
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Charging the AC system thru the HP side
I know this has been discussed, but I can not find the reasoning behind it....
Why should the AC system be charged thru the HP side with liquid, i.e. the bottle valve down? The manual only tells us to do this, but not why. A brand new compressor arrived yesterday :-). Thanks, Tapani |
#2
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
I would think you only do it on initial charge, as the compressor would not have anything in it and would need it added first to allow it to turn on.
and only with the a/c system NOT on as you dont want high pressure suddenly pushing the freon back into the can and exploding. |
#3
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
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Cheers! Gordon 1997 Ebony #308 113k "The Black Diva"SOLD 1992 Black over Liquid Silver 152k SOLD 1992 Ebony 251k 444 SOLD 1999 Silver SLK230 134k SOLD 1997 Green Outback 137k SOLD 2013 Honda Accord I4 SOLD 2015 Subaru Crosstrek 30k 2018 Tesla M3 30k |
#4
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
Yep,
http://autoforums.carjunky.com/Autom...YSTEMS_P45460/ So the FSM method is just "pre-flooding" the system + gas charging. Not "liquid charging" as described in the link. Tapani Last edited by Tapani; 05-22-2012 at 11:52 AM. |
#5
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
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The svx has built in safety components to prevent continuous compressor operation when if the system is overcharged. Actually liquid refrigerant could possibly gather in the wrong part of the system could possibly cause compressor damage. I would recommend charging on the LP with gas.,, Of course, ALL "0" ring seals must be replaced with new ones! Keith |
#6
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
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Also, the drier was replaced 8 months ago - should I swap that again? No leaks in the system. Thanks, Tapani |
#7
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
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Keith |
#8
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
yah, I would avoid unhooking anything uncessary to the job. Every time you open a joint in the system you increase the chance of a leak at that point.
What they mean about the HP side filling is mainly for oiling the system and getting gas in there so the system isnt running completely dry, causing damage to the compressor. Any filling from a DYI 134a refill kit should NEVER be hooked to the high side. You will have frozen, shredded hands after the can explodes. If you've had the system open, you really should put a vacumn on the system to remove water/impurities/air from the system. I skipped this step when I redid my system and I'm regretting it now. You also mentioned something about the bottle valve down. NEVER turn a 134a can upside down when filling. If you've ever flipped a can of Duster upside down, or spray paint you see what happens. It will freeze the valve, your lines and possible cracking the rubber hose between the valve and the can.
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92 Svx 4.44 swap 198k miles. Toyo Garit KX tires.. my Icetrack car 86 Lifted GL wagon well over 600k miles on the chassis 98 Outback 5 speed 6 inch lift, forester struts/springs 29" tires |
#9
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
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T |
#10
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
I realize the fsm might say that but remember that fsm was written 20 years ago. I'm speaking from experience. I worked at a shop recharging AC for a few years so I've done it both with a 5k dollar AC recycling/refilling machine and done it without the machine.
You sound stuck on doing everything the FSM says, but are you even putting a vacuum on the system? Theres no point in following just one step and none of the rest... All thats doing is setting it up for failure and injury. Let me know how your fingertips are doing after flipping the can
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92 Svx 4.44 swap 198k miles. Toyo Garit KX tires.. my Icetrack car 86 Lifted GL wagon well over 600k miles on the chassis 98 Outback 5 speed 6 inch lift, forester struts/springs 29" tires |
#11
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
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Tapani |
#12
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
AC is ice cold !
New R134a compressor, new drier, retrofit fittings for the service ports, new O-rings only to the joints I had to open. The compressor had PAG oil in it, added another 25 grams with the machine. Charged with 500 grams of R134a - the manual calls for 650 grams for a "real" R134a system (same amount incidentally also for an R12 system) - if I am not mistaken retrofits are usually charged with a little bit less if the major components are not changed (condenser mainly). So everything else is stock R12 - let's wait and see the long term operation. Around 23 C ambient and @1750 rpm the high side is 215 PSI and the low side 24 PSI. Good enough with the R12 expansion valve. Tapani |
#13
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
Congrats! You should do a 'how to' or a youtube video Good luck and enjoy!
__________________
Father of 5 sons and 1 daughter Subaru SVX for fun Hyundai Veracruz for the wife. Susuki SX4 for my older son Ford Ranger for work Mercedes Benz Sprinter for vacation trips, EZ GO Golf cart for driving kids around gated community. |
#14
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Re: Charging the AC system thru the HP side
Update on this.... The system was ok for three years.... Just a while ago the compressor did not turn on anymore. I checked the pressure switch - it was open - too low pressure.
Evacuated and it held vacuum real nice. Recharged with 500g and it's ice cold again. Cool T |
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