Volkswagen Repair: cabrio A/C problem, thermal expansion valve, good luck man

Question
my 1996 cabrio is blowing only about 12 degree cooler air than outside low pressure gage shows 55 psi and high pressure gage shows 190 psi I have not found a sight glass if it has one. any answers

Answer
Hey there Ted;
Sounds like the system has an obstruction at the thermal expansion valve to me.  A pressure of 190 psi on the high side is near the limit of 200 psi on the discharge side of the compressor.  Don't run it like that for very long, or the shear bolt/drive bolt at the center of the compressor will break off.  That will require a new compressor too.  If there is a specialty A/C service company in your city, they should be able to open the system, and "back-flush" it with Nitrogen gas at high pressure, and dislodge the obstruction then recharge your system, and make it work again.  Hope this helps a little, Ted.  I hope it saves the compressor, at least.  I know the max. pressure they should ever see is right around 200 psi.  Good luck, man.