pengy

A while back, my AC used to work, and now that its getting hotter again, I found out that the AC Clutch does not engage when the AC is turned on. I tried switching the relay with the fuel pump (exact same) one next to it, and the fuel pump still worked, so I don't think its the relay, and the plug for the AC Clutch doesn't get any voltage (checked with a DMM) so I don't think its the clutch. Is there anything else I could test?

cleveland63b

probably low on refrigerant

oldchevy

Bypass the low freon safety switch temporarily to see if the compressor runs. If it does add freon. Do not leave the bypass wire connected for any length of time or you will damage the compressor.

pengy

Well I attached a pressure gauge to the ac fill port (low side) and it turns out theres a leak somewhere so I had no pressure. Is there any way to easily find out where it is and replace a washer somewhere? Or how about those leak fix refrigerant kits. What are your guys' opinions? This car sat out unused for a couple years which is probably why its like this.

oldchevy

Mine used to use a can of freon every 2 or 3 months. I found this stop leak with metal flakes in it. Put into the system about 2 years ago and have not added freon to the system since. It depends on what is wrong and how bad it is. I got lucky and it worked.

cleveland63b

just keep in mind if you put those cheap sealers in most shops wont touch it unless they replace the whole system

oldchevy

If it fixes the problem for 2 years or more, why worry about most shops until the time comes?

cleveland63b

unless you dont plan on keeping the vehicle when the time comes you'll be dropping a lot of money instead of whatever the little repair would have been

just passing information most don't think about, and I personally like to fix things not band aid but to each their own

oldchevy

Unfortunately I have found there are no little fixes on A/C work. Shops seem to charge a lot of money for any and all repairs. Maybe I am wrong, but that is the way I see it. Take it in for what seems to be a simple problem and they make a major thing out of it.

cleveland63b

thats because A/C is very delicate and lots of small spaces so if something fails clogs and contamination happen easily and if its a decent shop they'll warranty their work, so itll get done to the full extent the first time around

not to mention the EPA is all over it and fines can happen very easily without the proper procedures and licenses where as people doing it in their driveway dont know or dont care and have a less chance of being caught.