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Checking freon level

posted by  LunchMan on  Thu May 4 15:51 CST 2006
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last visit: Sun May 13 01:14 CST 2007
[RELATED]

I wanted to determine the amount of freon I have in my system. I unscrewed the low pressure valve on the front passenger side, and engaged my measurement meter. I started the car, turned the a/c on max, even put the recirc button ON. I checked the levels, and it would cycle from a low of 15 psi, then a click, to 40 psi. Then back to 15 in the next 2-3 seconds, and then after 3-4 seconds up to 40 psi. I guess the compressor is cycling. Which is the correct reading of the pressure? If 15psi , I need more freon. If 40psi is correct reading then I have a larger a/c issue.

Note: The car is basically undriveable wihout a/c imho.

TIA,
Lunchman.
95 850 Turbo, 156,000








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    Checking freon level

    posted by  someone claiming to be ksg on  Fri May 5 02:54 CST 2006 [RELATED]

    The cycling is normal if the demand on the a/c is not very high - i.e. if the outside temp is not especially hot. If it is very hot outside the system will normally need to run all the time to produce enough cold air. If it is hot outside and you are not getting good cooling and/or the compressor still cycles, the system is likely low on refrigerant. In this case it is cycling when the pressure gets too low, to protect the compressor. If there is enough refrigerant then the pressure should never fall low enough to shut off the compressor (again assuming it is hot outside). The pressure readings you have do not seem far from normal. The reading you get with the compressor running continuously should be in-between, like 30 psig, if there is enough refrigerant.








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      Checking freon level

      posted by  LunchMan on  Fri May 5 06:51 CST 2006
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      last visit: Sun May 13 01:14 CST 2007
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      It has been hot here in the southeast, so the cycling is indicating low freon. I will add a can of freon r134+ to try improve the a/c air.

      Thx,
      Lunchman








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        Checking freon level

        posted by  MadeInJapan on  Fri May 5 16:58 CST 2006
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        last visit: Sat Oct 2 06:34 CST 2010
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        Use the cheaper, straigh-forward 134-A and avoid the stuff with all the goop in it. Also, to make the gas go into the system faster, sit it in a bowl of warm water. A good way to know if you are getting the right amount in is to check pressure like you're already doing, but also to put a small thermometer in the center vent (close all other vents) and with the A/C on recirc. and on high, you're getting about 40degrees F.
        --
        1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.








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          Checking freon level

          posted by  LunchMan on  Sun May 7 23:17 CST 2006
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          last visit: Sun May 13 01:14 CST 2007
          [RELATED]

          I have picked up a can of freon that includes the oil but not any stop leakage. Is the stop leakage the stuff you refer to as goop? Or is the oil not necessary as well? The can manufacturer indicates that 20z per 11oz of freon added.

          Lunchman,
          '95 850 Turbo, 156,000 miles








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            Checking freon level

            posted by  MadeInJapan on  Mon May 8 14:34 CST 2006
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            last visit: Sat Oct 2 06:34 CST 2010
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            I've read in the Volvo literature that the system has 3oz of oil in the evap, and 2oz or so in other components. Also the oil does leak out a bit when in cold weather the 0-rings shrink and lets out some gas...probably what you're dealing with now unless you have a leaking evaporator. The extra oil your adding with the gas isn't going to hurt. I just wouldn't go adding any more (like from just the oil can additive). The "goop" I was talking about was the stop-leak and some of the cans have other additives as well. These do nothing more than gunk up your system in the long run and should be avoided.
            --
            1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.








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              Checking freon level

              posted by  LunchMan on  Wed May 10 14:02 CST 2006
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              last visit: Sun May 13 01:14 CST 2007
              [RELATED]

              Well I added the freon 13oz of r134+. The a/c is blowing colder, and the readings are no longer jumping. The gauge now sits constant ar 32-35 psi when connected to a/c low side. The temp this afternoon was about 77 degrees. I still think I need one more can of 11oz of freon but will give this addition a few days to see how it feels. Also I should get that thermometer to check the a/c temp at the vent with a goal of 40 deg. F.

              Lunchman







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