need help charging the a/c

Have you jumped the LPS so you can add refrigerant?

Also, did you vacuum the system down prior to adding refrigerant?

Ruh roh.

So it sounds like you probably havent been able to get any refrigerant in the system (without jumping the LPS on a fresh system, you can't really get a charge in there).

I'd vac the system at close to 30" (the boiling point will depend upon ambient temps) as is feasible. Then let it sit to make sure it holds vac (to make sure you dont have any leaks). Thirty minutes normally suffices. Then charge it into the vacuum.

To do this, you really need a set of manifold gauges. I suppose you could have a shop vac it for you and then you'd charge it. I'd probably just let the shop charge it up at that point.

You hit the compressor with an initial oil charge when you had it on the bench? If not, you might want to before vacuuming.

Random thoughts.

Good luck.