How can I test the A/C compressor?

[Zero Signal]

I just had my refrigerant recharged today and it ran cold at first, but for some reason, it decided to stop going cold accept for every once in a while, for a few seconds at a time.

I have a leak and I usually recharge for the summer and it's gone in 3 months. I'm guessing the compressor could have been messed up from running it with no refrigerant. I noticed, before I recharged it, that the pump would suck a ton of power from the motor when the it kicked on, so I figure it was from it being run bone dry.

Anyway, what do you guys think? Could the leak be coming from the compressor and is there a way to test it's performance? Thanks for any suggestions

 

[5.0 from 95]

Mine is leaking from the back where the lines come in. It is actually leaking the oil out. You can take it and have die put in with the gas and where it comes out is your leak. Where ever you take it should also be able to check the compressor too. Is that something like NAPA would check for free?


Paul