Cutty

Ran it for 15mins, full AC (which is warm, not hot) and checked the lines.

The pics show the only cold line and then the small line I think you’re talking about.
All other lines were associated with the AC are hot.

So still only the one cold line.

I think this might be a shop job for me, as it’s 90+ for the next 10+ days. Get it tested and see what the issue is.

Cheers!

4.3L XJ

Thanks for the pic. I am going to stick to my diagnosis, the refrigerant is running backwards through the system with hot liquid accumulating in the condenser core and I bet if you touch the condenser core after running awhile it will be cold

Cutty

Thanks mate!

The core is the radiator looking system that sits in front of the radiator?
where should I touch it to feel the temp (and if it’s cold)?

Additionally, will a vac of the system fix this?

Cheers

4.3L XJ

No, I think the problem is in the compressor. Take a pic of where the lines go into the compressor so I can take a look at it

Cutty

Thanks mate, attached.
And let me know if you need anymore.

So it wouldn’t be because it was empty, sat for a year and then filled with a can of AC Pro?

Cheers.

4.3L XJ

This is a long shot, but you could reverse that manifold. Has anyone worked on this lately

Cutty

Nah, no work has been done on the engine since I’ve owned it…. 3yrs

And for sure not because it sat a year and was empty?

Cheers

4.3L XJ

If everything we have said is accurate, then I think the butterfly valves are shot in the compressor. If I had it here I could hookup my gauges and find out in a minute

Cutty

Appreciate that mate!

I have to take it to get a wheel alignment, after doing the tie rod ends, so will ask them to put the gauges on it before they vac and fill maybe?

4.3L XJ

They will put gauges on it first thing. They will fill, if they do, through the gauges. If the mechanical parts run, then the gauges go on to see what the refrigerant is doing

Cutty

So I should just explain the situation and ask them to run the gauges to make sure it’s all working before doing a fill?

There is some Freon in it now, if that helps.

Cheers

Saudade

The DIY products (like the AC Pro) only measure the low side. Manifold gauges measure both low and high side. Both are needed to properly diagnose AC issues.

Cutty

Got ya. So long as he can test it before a full I’m ok with that.

I was going to get the AC and alignment done Monday next week, but think my drivers front bearing has gone…. So will need to fix that before the alignment now.

With that I might rent a gauge from AZ and check it.

Cheers.

Cutty

Sorry to bring this back up, but I have just got back to the old girl and need to sort the AC.

Is this the gauge set I need to test the high and low side - https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tool...set/326077_0_0

If so I will go hire one from AutoZone, check the pressure and report back.

Additionally, do I just connect the high and low, turn on the AC and the pressure will show?

Cheers!

agreen

That's the one you need, and that is how you connect it. Check pressure with AC on max and engine at idle.