1997 Chevy Silverado a/c won't take charge

s_trip · Posted at Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:01 pm

Air Conditioning problem
1997 Chevy Silverado V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic

new accumulator
all lines and evap and cond are clear
replaced orifice tube in lower line of cond but had trouble putting new one in.
takes very little 134A but compressor does cycle
low side gauge reads over 75
line freezes from point of orifice tube after running at high idle to attempt charging
does not get cold at all.

buddycraigg · Posted at Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:49 pm

is that 75 PSI?

that's way too high for the low side

s_trip · Posted at Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:22 pm

would the freezing up at the point of the orifice tube indicate a blockage with that high reading?

buddycraigg · Posted at Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:59 pm

no, it's suggesting to me that your system doesn't have enough freon in it.

or there is something wrong with the tube.

what are the high side readings?

s_trip · Posted at Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:11 pm

Unfortunately I only have a charge kit and I don't have a gauge to take the High side reading. the line at the bottom of the condenser, got a little damaged when replacing the orifice tube. I don't think I put it in upside down. the old orifice tube came out melted but it looked like the tapered end goes down. Am I wrong.

buddycraigg · Posted at Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:35 pm

s_trip · Posted at Sat Jul 04, 2009 9:11 am

thanks for the help. I'll give the boiling water a try.