Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

y2k600f4 on Thu June 05, 2014 6:43 AM

Year: 2002
Make: Nissan
Model: Frontier
Engine Size: 3.3L
Refrigerant Type: 134
Ambient Temp: 90
Pressure Low: 10
Pressure High: 100
Country of Origin: United States

On my 2002 Nissan Frontier 3.3L it was blowing warm air, compressor engaged all the time (suspect at least some refrigerant in system). Found leak with UV dye/oily on discharge line connection. Attempted to put a temporary charge on system (low side) but maybe took a few ounces after ~1/2 hour (assumed system was low on freon). Low/high side pressures only increased slightly.

System evacuated (had some refrigerant), Replaced disharge line, pulled and checked if would hold vacuum and again attempted to charge (had to jumper compressor clutch) system maybe took a few ouncs (enough to engage the compressor w/o jumping) and pressures are very similiar to when originally measured 10 psi low/100 psi High. System will not pull in any more refrigerant.

I suspect it is a bad compressor but wanted to run this by the experts before I ordered a new compressor from ackits.com along with a replacement drier ? My concern is that the expansion valve is bad; although a much cheaper fix it is difficult to access; however I am not sure of what symptoms to expect from an expansion valve that is possible stuck closed ???

Additional info: vehicle gets driven about once a week. Prior week noticed very poor cooling. Vent temps ~60F (ambient ~85) at driving RPM. Next week vent temps ~80 (ambient ~85); I suspected loss of refrigerant due to leak and possibly damage to compressor ? Also system with minimal charge when in cabin can hear coolant moving (?) gurgling type of sound.

Any opinions before I order the compressor etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Edited: Thu June 05, 2014 at 10:37 AM by y2k600f4

mk378 on Thu June 05, 2014 10:11 AM

The pressure in the tank or can is always higher than 10 psi, unless the container has become very cold from evaporation. Refrigerant should be going in. If the dial on the low side gauge goes up when you open the handwheel valve, the refrigerant should go into the car.

This looks like a most likely good compressor (so far) trying to run on very little refrigerant. It is best to start from vacuum and charge as much as you can as liquid (with the engine off) before starting the compressor. Running without a full charge causes the compressor to starve for oil.

Edited: Thu June 05, 2014 at 10:13 AM by mk378

y2k600f4 on Thu June 05, 2014 10:22 AM

Quote
Originally posted by: mk378
The pressure in the tank or can is always higher than 10 psi, unless the container has become very cold from evaporation. Refrigerant should be going in. If the dial on the low side gauge goes up when you open the handwheel valve, the refrigerant should go into the car.



This looks like a most likely good compressor (so far) trying to run on very little refrigerant. It is best to start from vacuum and charge as much as you can as liquid (with the engine off) before starting the compressor. Running without a full charge causes the compressor to starve for oil.



Thanks for the reply. Worked exactly as you described; pre-charging as a liquid high side first seemed to be the answer. With proper charge pressures and vent temp lines up within specified range of factory service manual. Thanks again

Edited: Thu June 05, 2014 at 7:20 PM by y2k600f4