Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

sportylemans on Tue October 12, 2010 12:00 PM

Year: 1971
Make: Pontiac
Model: lemans
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: R12

I tried the test from the tips page to see if the pressure was correct on the POA valve for R12. I hooked it up as described. I attempeted to put the 60psi in and it just went straight thru the POA and out the other end. It did not build up any pressure unlecc i put my hand over the other end.

POA from a 71 Pontiac Lemans.

Would this be a stuck open valve?

Thanks,

Dougflas on Tue October 12, 2010 3:58 PM

with the low side handwheel closed, does the low side read 28 to 32?

sportylemans on Tue October 12, 2010 4:05 PM

It doesn't read anything. It just goes out the other end and does not buil pressure.

Dougflas on Tue October 12, 2010 6:40 PM

It is bad then

sportylemans on Wed October 13, 2010 12:01 PM

Thanks, I sent it off to Florida to get looked at.

Karl on Fri October 15, 2010 10:35 PM

Not to hijack this thread, but wasn't sure if I should start a new one either, so here it goes.....

I have two valves, one that was in the system for the last year, and this summer compressor seal went, so I evac system and had compressor fixed. While it has been apart, I thought I would test POA... I put 70 psi in and get about 29-30 out (R-12 system). Just hear air coming out at that pressure, can't really tell if I hear a pop initially or not.

Second valve I try and get about 26 psi on the low side, and the air coming out sounds "throaty" for a better lack of terms.

So the question I have is does it matter what it sounds like when doing the POA valve test or not? I know that one valve is too low for pressure, that valve is adjustable, the other one is not.

Thanks.
Karl

Karl on Fri October 15, 2010 10:55 PM

Okay, I just tested both valves again, and yes the one I do hear a pop initially, and get 29-30 on low side gauges.

The other valve does need to be adjusted, because I get 27 on low side gauge. The "throaty" sound I think is the valve popping constantly, so is that normal or not?
I am planning on using the one that gives me the 29-30. That was a NOS valve just opened and installed last summer, the other is a used one I got a while back.

Thanks

Dougflas on Sat October 16, 2010 2:04 PM

If have heard that throaty sound while testing/setting some POA's. I just set them ...never heard that they di not work.