unless you've pulled a vacuum and know the system is empty, don't turn the can upside down and dump it in as a liquid. you don't want liquid dumped in this close to the compressor and you also can't properly control adding a small amount.

just sort of rock the can from vertical to horizontal and dump it in VERY slowly. i dumped mine in upside down and overcharged it and ended up having to vent it back out.

use the recharge can with the gauge. do it when everything is HOT, and don't overcharge, and stop when you get to the middle of the gauge. i also made the mistake of doing mine when it was cool and charging to the high side of the gauge. when it got to 100*, my pressures went way up and it was way over charged.

 

Ok, back at it, heres my problem. I went a purchased this refill recharge kit,

and as per instructions, I checked the pressure first before even hooking the bottle up. I assumed if I needed a refill, I would be in the green area on the gauge. Well, when I hooked it up (twice to make sure) it was reading over 100 psi and thats in the "danger" zone. Theres obviously no way I can add to that. So whats my issue guys????

 

start the truck, and turn on the a/c. See what happens.

 

That was with the truck and A/C running (max).

 

Sounds to me like that compressor isn't running...

How did you verify that it IS operating correctly? If you're just looking at the front of it spin and kick on/off, then that does not tell you that the compressor is working. It does tell you that the pulley will spin...

Also, since no one else said it, once you figure the problem out, dump a little can of the compressor oil in the system as well. If you don't, it will seize up after a short time.


Another thought is that the gauge that came with the can is junk. Happens more than you would think. Someone drops the box that the refrigerant and gauge is in, and bam, bad gauge. You MIGHT stop by your local shop and see if they will hook a pressure gauge on it to see what's up.

 

Ok, were not looking good, pulley isnt spinning, although there is a load on when the setting is put on to A/C. It does drop about 150 rpms........

 

Stop by a parts store and pick up an engine stethoscope and place it on the compressor to see if you can hear the piston running.... They aren't but around $7-$10 each... If you don't want to do that, then use a long handled screw driver and be extra careful that you don't drop it.

(Touch end of driver to compressor side and the other on your ear...

 

Thank you. Isnt it kind of hard to detect with all those moving parts?
I can get one at Harbor Freight real cheap.....

 

You said the pulley isn't spinning so it probably seized up

 

The screwdriver trick works really well. The hot ticket here would be to have a helper..... Stick the tip of the screwdriver on the compressor case, hold your ear against the handle. Have said friend turn on the A/C, if something happens, you will hear it. Guaranteed. You are looking for a change in the noise it is making.

Can you turn the center of the compressor pulley by hand?