95 SC2 227K

I have had to refill this system once a year for the past 3 years and the charge would last a year.

Went to do the annual charging.
A/C clutch engaging
pressure 90/35
expecting like 140/40
patient blowing not cold air.

Both schrader valves replaced last year.

I've been told by former saturn mechanics that the s cars tend to develop a leak in the evaporator, which requires tearing into the dash to get to and is totally not worth it.

Is it possible that the compressor has an internal pressure leak?
I would think if it was an o ring it wouldn't hold 90 psi.

Ideas? Starting to heat up here in Joisey and my headliner's already coming down so the open window thing would be a bummer


Oh the system has dye in it and there is no sign of any under the hood which makes me lean away from o rings

 

The dirty rotten evap syndrome. Have them put a sniffer in the vents, it should be able to sniff it out.

 

thank you...

Others? Not a single thought? (Sigh)

 

Possibly air/moisture in the system, causing restriction.

 

Do the Saturns have an orfice screen like on other GM products? If so, perhaps it needs replacing.

 

Sorry, with the age and the miles a leak could be anywhere and probably is. I do not know how any one can say that the leak can not be seen in the engine compartment. So it is not there.
I looked in my engine compartment once, there is so much stuff crammed in there that I can not see the engine.
Much less where it might be leaking. Although I do know it leaks something. It has gotten to marking it's territory.
So if the only thing it needs to make it through the summer is another can of refrigerant, put it in! And while at it add the one with stop leak goop in it too. What is the worse thing that can happen? It quits working? Isn't that what it is doing now? Or just go ahead and spend the money and have all the fittings replaced with new O-rings and gaskets.

 

If you recharge the system once a year you have a very small leak. These leaks can be extremely hard to find in a car. While my company only deals with commercial equipment I have had the mispleasure of working on auto systems. I have equipment that will locate (and has located) leaks that are less than 1/4 ounce per year yet I have yet to locate a leak in a car system. There are just too many fumes etc. I do agree with uncljohn, your system is probably 134A which means you can purchase a can of refer with sealer in it. I personally have never used an internal sealant but what do you have to loose? With that said, if you do have dye in the system and the leak is in the evap. you should see the dye either in the condensation when it drains under the car or evidence of the dye in the drain tube. Once again, I have never found a leak in a car with dye. Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the ideas folks.
I was not even aware they made r134a refill cans with sealant in them -- I've never had to deal with this situation so I never looked very hard at the choices.

I'll try the sealant-in-a-can and report back.