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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Ac pressure question. Pressure still low?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ChaseRoads
  • Start date Start date Apr 1, 2023

ChaseRoads

do I need to lube this area?
Oct 29, 2020
220
73
38
midwestern america
Apr 1, 2023
#1
  • Apr 1, 2023
  • #1
Alright. Replaced the compressor, lines and dryer. Pulled a vac for 2+ hours. Let stand for another hour , vac held.

Put 2 12oz cans in, pressure would read like 50 or 60 on the low side when the cam was connected, disconnected the can, and pressure was dropping down to like 20. Ac was blowing cold, orifice tube looked like it would frost over. I was expecting to see closer to 30 psi . Wasn’t sure if this was because of needing more r134a or because the ambient temp is like 45 right now.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,934
224
Massachusetts
Apr 1, 2023
#2
  • Apr 1, 2023
  • #2
45 is a bit too low to really charge. I would wait til at least 60F to charge.

You also want a set of manifold guages so you can read both the high and low side pressures with the system running.

Given that it’s 45 out, I would expect to see the pressures on the low side of things.
 

ChaseRoads

do I need to lube this area?
Oct 29, 2020
220
73
38
midwestern america
Apr 1, 2023
#3
  • Apr 1, 2023
  • #3
Mustang5L5 said:
45 is a bit too low to really charge. I would wait til at least 60F to charge.

You also want a set of manifold guages so you can read both the high and low side pressures with the system running.

Given that it’s 45 out, I would expect to see the pressures on the low side of things.
Click to expand...
I have a set of gauges, I just didn’t note where the high pressure was at. It was on the lower side for sure.

Think it’s best to just leave it be until a warm day? It’ll be awhile before I need the ac, I just wanted the job done and over with.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,934
224
Massachusetts
Apr 2, 2023
#4
  • Apr 2, 2023
  • #4
I would wait. There is risk of damage to the compressor when charging at low temps as you may push liquid through the compressor.


Wait until over 60f…ideally 80s. Charge and note the high and low side pressure and ambient conditions.


Also, when you test pressures you should do it with the system under stress. 80* day, doors open and windows down, fan on high. Hold 1500 rpm and give the system 90 seconds to stabilize. Then record your pressures. High side should be 2.2-2.7 times ambient as a rough rule of thumb. Note both the high and low side pressure.
 
Last edited: Apr 2, 2023
Reactions: General karthief

ChaseRoads

do I need to lube this area?
Oct 29, 2020
220
73
38
midwestern america
Apr 2, 2023
#5
  • Apr 2, 2023
  • #5
Got it!! I’ll post back when the temp breaks. I’m just happy it didn’t leak lol.
 
Reactions: General karthief

ChaseRoads

do I need to lube this area?
Oct 29, 2020
220
73
38
midwestern america
Apr 5, 2023
#6
  • Apr 5, 2023
  • #6
No huge updates , it was in the 70’s today. Pressure would stay at about 18-20psi at idle. I’m gonna leave it be till it warms up.

Is there a set process to set the pressure on the low pressure switch? I figure I can take a reading and adjust it untill it kicks off at idle then bump it down. Or maybe put a meter on it and wait for it to open up? Or would it be difficult to connect the low pressure switch to my air compressor, set it to 18 psi and adjust the switch till it opens?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,934
224
Massachusetts
Apr 5, 2023
#7
  • Apr 5, 2023
  • #7
I usually watch the guages and see what point the compressor shuts off. Watch a few cycles and then make an adjustment. I shoot for 20-23psi.
 

ChaseRoads

do I need to lube this area?
Oct 29, 2020
220
73
38
midwestern america
Jun 3, 2023
#8
  • Jun 3, 2023
  • #8
I’ve not had a chance to toss the gauges on yet, but it’s 90 out and still blowing cold. Felt silly having the top down and the ac on cold though.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
27,914
10,562
203
polk county florida
Jun 4, 2023
#9
  • Jun 4, 2023
  • #9
Ain't no more silly than to ride with the top down and the heater on in the winter.
I've done both
 
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