Saturn Repair: 97 Saturn A/C high static pressure, saturn sc, auto mechanic

Question
QUESTION: Hi I'm a retired auto mechanic a friend brought a 97 Saturn SC 1.9L DOHC to me with an A/C problem. When I hooked up my manifold set I was shocked to see static readings of 350psi on the low side and 220psi on the high side. with the compressor running the pressures read 20psi on the low side and 150 psi on the high side. Ambient temp on this day was 90 degrees. The static readings really confuse me being that high and unequal. Nobody I have asked knows what would cause this. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Larry,

I had an L series pull that stunt on me and one of the veterans of Saturn told me to change the compressor, because I had no idea what would cause that and he told me to trust him..........I changed it and everything went to normal, now I'm not saying that is your problem........but you just might want to try that.........

let me know how everything go ok

ERIC

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eric, thanks for the fast response. I have also had some guys say that the expansion valve could have something to do with this and others think  the system is full of air and moisture. But that does not explain the high static pressure. Do you think I should flush the system and vacuum it down and start over fresh?

Answer
Hi Larry

Yes the expansion valve is a possibility (and cheaper than a compressor.)Also, air and water won't cause that, if there are no leaks in the system then how would all that water get into it.right lol

Another possibility is there could be to much r134a in the system as well. Only takes 1.5 pounds. But I thing you should evac the system, vacuum, and recharge, don't forget to add some dye to it also.

thanks Larry

ERIC