A/C System Won't Accept Refrigerant
 

Well, I finally replaced my bad heater core on my '96 318 2-wheel drive 1500. Did the whole tear out the dash thing, removed heater box and cleaned out the mouse nest, etc. I reinstalled everything correctly, as this is not my first rodeo. New o-rings on the refrigerant lines, new accumulator, and pulled vacuum on the system, holding for three days. No leaks. Tried to re-charge system and it will not accept new oil, or 134a. Yes, I started the compressor using a paper clip in the pressure switch connection, no soap. any ideas out there? Bad or plugged orifice tube maybe? Or something stupid that I forgot to do? A/C system was running great before I dismantled it. Thanks, ~Swamp.

Sometimes the valve on the can punctures it but when you turn it back out it seals back up again. Are you using a good set of gauges or just the cheap one hose deal?

Maybe the A/C fitting isn't any good maybe your vac was just in the gauge hose? I don't know just throwing out ideas.

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Yea you wouldn't want to do that if compressor running.

Jumping the low switch is fine just to get some charge in it. Just don't recommend the average guy on here screwing around with the high side, that's all. Quote deleted. ;)

I understand and you are correct, many would not know what I meant.

No, I am using a good set of gauges, instead of the one hose deal. I am an experienced HVAC guy, and I have all of the neat tools.

Let me go out in the garage and check this....... . Hey! that was sorta it. I have a bad piercing valve. it did pierce the can, but it is not getting past the valve. Schweeet! Thanks! I guess my tools are getting some age on them, like me.

Yeah, I had a friend that did just that, and wound up busting a hose on the cheap set of gauges he had. Although, the service manual on my Lexus tells you to add gas to the high side after you pull it down, with the engine off, of course.