1992 Toyota Celica non standard AC problem

Tiny
COMPUTERS5
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 TOYOTA CELICA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 160 MILES
I have had an AC line with a very bad leak for about 2 years. I just lived without it. I tried fixing the leak by tightening the fittings and found out the hard way that they can’t be torked. I was in the process of changing over to 134. Anyway I have now replaced the lines and attempted to charge the system. It took a charge (2 cans of high mileage from a change over kit from Auto Zone) and gets fairly cool but it still cuts out randomly as if it doesn’t have enough 134. Also if I throttle up any the compressor cuts out and the AC light starts flashing. I have checked the pressure and tried adding more 134 but nothing seems to help. This may be normal but the pressure shoots way up when the clutch cuts out (I’m guessing this is just the pressure equalizing in the system). Prior to this leak I was hitting around 40 deg with R-12 without any problems except the occasional heater core freeze up easily corrected by bumping the temperature controller up a little.

Thanks,
David
Saturday, July 5th, 2008 AT 9:44 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi David,

When compresor cuts out frequently, it could be excessive freon in the system.

What was the low and high pressure?
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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
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The low side was about 50 PSI, I dont have a set of guages yet so I cant read the high side.

Also here is an update on some more recient events. I have found that there is a leak and I have added a can of freon with die to atempt to find it. No such luck. The new pressure is, or was 40 PSI as of saturday the 12th. Today the 13th I am down to 30 PSI and the only place I see any die is at the change over fitting at the low side.

So the pressure is at 30 PSI as of today, and after the car has warmed up I can accelerate or decelerate and it will still kick off.
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Sunday, July 13th, 2008 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi David,

The evaporator is the place you should be looking for leakages if you can't find any outside.

I suspect the compressor is not functioning well but you don't have the high side pressure so cannot confirm it. It could be a faulty expansion valve too.
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Monday, July 14th, 2008 AT 7:42 AM
Tiny
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Where would I find the expansion valve? Also do you know someplace that I could get a set of guages for less than $40?
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Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi David,

The expansion valve is attached to the evaporator and is located near the firewall pipe joints. You need to remove the evaporator to replace it, which requires discharging the freon.

Get a pressure test done first.

I am sorry I do not know where to buy the gauges and how much they would cost but I understand you can rent them at Autozone. Check it out.
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Thursday, July 17th, 2008 AT 8:49 AM

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