QuestionWe are planning a long trip and with the temperatures getting higher, wanted to check the A/C. It cools, but doesn't feel as cool as it used to be.
I went to Wal-Mart and bought a 16 oz. can of 134A with a simple gauge on it. The gauge read 100 when the A/C was off. When the A/C was turned on, it dropped to 45 (I assume this is psi as the guage doesn't say).
I added aproximately 2/3's of the can. The A/C was a bit colder (I didn't have a thermometer). But after running a couple of minutes, the compressor began to cycle on and off slowly. After about the fourth or fifth time, the compressor discharged green mist from the back of the compressor when it cycled off. It did this twice before I cut off the A/C.
I then discharged freon from the low pressure side until the cycling stopped and the compressor stopped discharging the green mist from the back. It now is cooling about the same as it was before I started.
My questions are: Was this normal? Did I damage the compressor? Should I just leave it alone and see how it operates or should I now take it to a shop?
Also, I am not sure where you will answer this as I am new here.
Thanks for your help!
Jim
AnswerThe reason for the green mist is because you added to much freon to the system and the PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE on the back of the compressor opened and exhausted the excess freon.
I would strongly suggest that you have the system tested by a reputable a/c facility who has the equipment to perform this testing procedure.
