Just finished up swapping a y7 from a '99 in to this '98 due to bad block. Runs and drives great, the only CEL is for the missing #2 o2 sensor.

We hooked it up to the a/c machine and filled it up to spec(google said 1.4375lb so we put in 1.44lb) and while we could see the compressor kicking on and off with the a/c button, the temperature of the outgoing air in the cabin was not dropping at all. We even overfilled it a bit more, still no change in air temperature.

What all should I be checking?

 

More background is needed. How do you know the system was low or out of refrigerant?

 

Both this car and the '99 parts car had their systems drained by the recycler(this wheeled machine with a pump, tank, some gauges, hoses, etc) prior to the tear downs/swap. I swapped over the engine only. Once the '98 was put back together we filled it up to spec(23oz/1.44~ lb according to google). It held pressure, but wouldn't blow cold even though the compressor appeared to kick on and off with the button.

Could the compressor still be bad? I have the one from the '99 that has 100k less miles but ran out of time and had to get home so I couldn't swap them out.

 

Did the A/C work prior to recovery of refrigerant?

Was the system opened to the atmosphere after recovery?

Was the system placed under a deep vacuum prior to recharging with refrigerant?

Does the condenser fan run?

 

No idea, block was all sorts of grenaded so I never tested it.

Yes, for the swap. Detached hoses at front of motor so compressor could move with engine.

I honestly don't know, didn't check but I brought the car home finally and it is still full so I can check tomorrow.

 

 

Yes, he did put the system under vacuum prior to filling. We even recovered, vacuum, filled a second time just to rule out an issue with the first.

 

Was the receiver/dryer replaced prior to recharging?

 

Nope.

 

Was the system recharged with both oil and refrigerant?

 

I'm not sure. I'm leaning towards no oil on the recharges.

 

Were any A/C components removed and replaced?

 

The compressor was pulled from the engine for a short time in order to access that engine mount, other than that nothing else was touched as far as climate system goes.

 

Any oil lost from compressor during removal or reinstallation?

 

Honestly not sure. The hoses were left attached to it and I don't recall anything dripping from them, and it was only for a short time. Total time for hoses not being connected to a vehicle's system was maybe 30 minutes.

 

Recover refrigerant and oil again.

Replace receiver/dryer.

Place system under deep vacuum for at least 30 minutes.

Properly recharge with refrigerant and oil removed by recovery.

Check whether compressor clutch engages and fan runs when A/C is on.

If so, performance test system (high and low side pressures; vent temp; ambient temp and humidity) with engine held at 1500 rpm and A/C running at max.

 

I'm running to autozone to pick up a few things and they do have a receiver/dryer in stock for $22~ so I'll go ahead and grab that. I'll either swing the cost to have a local shop look in to it for me, or I'll continue troubleshooting next weekend at my buddy's shop.

I can test the fan today. Will report back if I do.

Thanks for all the info!