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Chris G.
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2006
22:10:00
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 Subject: A/C Problems
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1996 Dodge Dakota SLT Extended Cab 318 V8....
I was wondering what happened. The other day my A/C just seemed to basically quit working, the compressor was engaged and spinning over, but no cold air. I checked low side R-134a pressure and it was 130PSI with a simple low side gauge. I checked it because I thought I had a leak. I did however charge the system before with the right amount of refridgerant and oil according to the sticker under the hood and it ran fine for about 4 months. At least I know i'm not leaking r134, I just want to know why was the A/C not working as well as the compressor being activated and clutch engaged and also the pressure being so high on the low end? Lord knows what the high end was. I went ahead and drained the whole A/C system on fear of it bursting. Anyone have an idea on what's wrong? Thanks.
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Chris G.
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2006
22:11:03
| RE: A/C Problems
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BTW, when I charged it, I did it with manifold gauges, which I no longer have.
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Big Ed
GenIII
5/21/2006
22:17:35
| RE: A/C Problems
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Best to check it with both high and low side gauges. If it was 130 psig on the suction side, and the compressor was running (clutch engaged), I'd put my money on either bad compressor valves or your connecting rod on the piston let go and your really not "compressing" anymore. So, if you have equal pressures with the compressor engaged, you got big time problems.
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Chris G.
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2006
22:22:47
| RE: A/C Problems
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Thanks Big Ed. I will just get another compressor. I had a feeling it was that. Thanks.
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Chris G.
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2006
00:41:16
| RE: A/C Problems
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Should I just replace the compressor and have it flushed and evacuated then charged or do I HAVE to replace the accumulator too? mine's not removable it looks like. The hoses are lipped over one another. That's how they are connected. I am kinda low on finances right now too since grandma is in hospital and having to help her.
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Obio3
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2006
01:02:53
| RE: A/C Problems
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Assuming it never leaked down to nothing remaining, by law yes you need to evacuate it to a container. But if it's full and or got anything in it if you have it evacuated they will put that much back in and charge only for the added amount needed plus there labor charge. Way it is here anyway
So many problems .... So little time
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Big Ed
GenIII
5/22/2006
07:11:01
| RE: A/C Problems
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Obio3 is correct, plus when they reclaim it, it will be "filtered" so any impurities will be removed. You would want the system vacuumed when you replace the compressor too assuming your doing it yourself. I don't know if you can but you should be able to rent a vacuum pump at a rental store or even at an HVAC supply house. You don't want any non-condensibles in your system after you go through the troubles of replacing the compressor. It will also tell you if you have an airtight system. After running the vacuum pump (for about an hour), get it down to 29 hg and let it sit for an hour or so. If it's tight, the needle won't move. Then your good to go.
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Chris G.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/22/2006
09:46:17
| RE: A/C Problems
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Thanks. What about the accumulator though. Does that absolutely have to be replaced?
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Big Ed
GenIII
5/22/2006
11:27:12
| RE: A/C Problems
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Not at all, its not a filter/dryer, its what it is, an accumulator.
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Chris G.
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2006
13:51:32
| RE: A/C Problems
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Yea, a website said that most places will not warranty your compressor if you don't replace your accumulator. I have heard this from several sources.
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Big Ed
GenIII
5/22/2006
16:09:11
| RE: A/C Problems
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Message:
Well then replace it! If I were you though, I'd go to the junk yard and get a used compressor, install it, vacuum it out and charge it with fresh 134A. Done!!!! Save a few bucks, why buy new?? Your truck is 10 years old anyhow. But its your choice.
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