griffiths

1) Are you saying you are using an ac service gauge and hose set that has R12 or R134a coupler ports on the ends? Or, the male thread port on the vacuum pump was an R12 port thread vs. and R134a port thread? And, did you test the vacuum pump and service gauge hose set before trying to evacuate the vehicles system .... just in case, a good standard practice.

2) Did you do a visual inspection of the "atypical" leak points and items we mentioned in the previous post?

3) A leak like you are suggesting in your system, how quickly it goes to atmosphere after pulling a vacuum, could also be checked with simple air pressure (not the normal way to do things but plausible). And if the leak is as great as you suggest, probably one can of refrigerant would raise the system pressure enough where you could actually hear the leak or see it with soapy water as suggested.

Tampa 928s

The expansion valve is leaking, oily dirt and my sniffer went wild. I did get it charged up enough to test. For the record; my vacumm pump has a R-12 fitting the old R/D has an R-12 "for now", the low side and Gauges have 134 fittings. I ordered the expansion and R/d today. I'm going to replace the expansion first and test for vacuum before the R/d goes in.

JP Rodkey

I didn't see anyone chime in with this, but: when you want to charge the system from scratch (assuming you've pulled vacuum), the first can of refrigerant should be enough to close the low pressure switch. To get the first can loaded, get a bucket of hot water and just put the can in the water. I usually crack both low side and high side open for the initial fill and close off the high side when pressure equalizes. If the pressure switch doesn't close at that stage, do NOT open the high side again - only use the low side for the rest of the fill process. Use the hot water for all of the cans.

griffiths

FANTASTIC!

Sounds like the system was an R12 system(?) and if you decide to convert2 R134a you might as well replace the drier (if it's old or it does not have R134a compat. desiccant), replace the ac refrigerant oil (ester works fine in this case; 6-8 oz), get yourself some orings for any components you replaced or fittings you opened.
You got a choice as to whether you want to liquid flush the system while its open, a PITA but well worth it if you find any contamination (sludge, black or grey residue, metal particles, etc), don't want to hear about compressor seizure or lock ups down the road (dejavu), its up to you but advisable. Pull a good long vacuum, a least an hour, when the ambient outside is warm or in a heated garage as the moisture will boil off easier. And, measure your amount of refrigerant when you are charging; verify your charge based on Pressures and Temperatures.

Have fun.

Tampa 928s

I'm into my TB change now the Expansion and R/d are on the way. Maybe by next week I'll have an update.