hey everyone i installed my all pro bumper awhile back when and i guess i left the coolant line for the A/C rubbing against the new bumper. Long story short it rubbed a hole in the line and all my refrigerant leaked out. i replaced the line and its ready to be filled. I haven't gotten it re-filled in months because it has been very cool and i haven't really needed to use it. I am just wondering if everything will be alright when i get it filled up. anybody know?
Make sure you get it evacuated before filling(evacuating removes most air and water form the system). Did any oil leak out? There is oil in the compressor and in the system (both are seperate). If you do not get it evacuated, and there is water in the system (usually from humidity in the air) the A/C will not cool well, and could freeze up at the expansion valve.
It is imperative that you evacuate the air from the system first. Since it was open to ambient air for a long time I would leave it evacuated for maybe 24 hrs then purge with a little R134a and then evacuate again before filling. You will also need to replace some of the refrigerant oil that for sure leaked out.
You should have done this immediately after discovering the fault and replacing the line. Having the air in the system just leaves the door open for all kinds of contaminants (mainly moisture) to migrate into and through the system.
Also, even when it is cold, and you are not purposely running the A/C the compressor may still run. When ever there is a fault in the A/C system where you don't want the compressor to run you should always disconnect the compressor clutch energize wire so you know the compressor will not come on.
I wouldn't worry about the compressor running without a charge on the system. Modern systems have a pressure sensor that will not allow the compressor to run unless it is under pressure.
Evacuating the system prior to charging it is an excellent idea. Any good shop should be able to handle that properly, as part of the recharge job.
Thanks to the OP for the heads up on the line rubbing.
Now here's one back.. The first thing I did when I got my FJ was to put some 1/4" hardware mesh behind the grill to prevent the loss of the condenser. I've had rocks fly thru the grill and pin-hole the condenser on other vehicles. 50cents to save a $400 condenser is a bargain.
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07 Titanium loaded..
Current mods: OME883's & Bilstein513's, BFG KM2's, Bridgestone Revos, Trailgear Sliders, K&N Drop in, 08 side visors, 35% tint, Redline gear oil, Atrac hack, mini-ITX PC (GPS & wardriving), upgraded speakers, custom rear door sub, custom air dam w/ hella spots and surf rack, grill mounted hella driving and fog lites, air horns, solar batter charger, rear 12V outlet, block heater, painted stock alloys (1 set black, 1 set graphite)..
I wouldn't worry about the compressor running without a charge on the system. Modern systems have a pressure sensor that will not allow the compressor to run unless it is under pressure.
Yes, you are correct about the low pressure cut-off. I guess I have worked on too many old vehicles.
I've had rocks fly thru the grill and pin-hole the condenser on other vehicles. 50cents to save a $400 condenser is a bargain.
Oddly enough, the Prius is *very* vulnerable to that sort of damage. The condenser is an aluminum one, and easily pockmarked just with normal driving. Over at PriusChat a few forum members have already lost their A/C due to pinholes in the condenser.
Around 6 months after buying my 2004 Prius, I went to clean out the condenser and was pretty horrified to discover all the pockmarks. Made a guard as you suggested, used that gutter guard stuff to keep leaves out of your rain gutters. Works just fine
To comment on the system being open so long, this will cause problems down the road. The system oil will have attracted dust by now, which is in the lines. There may be other leaks, I recommend an extended pressure test using N2. N2 is "dry" so will also help pick up any residual moisture in the system
At the very least, the receiver/dryer should be replaced at the same time.
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2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 5AT "C" package, Sun Fusion
2004 Toyota Prius "B" package, Tideland Pearl
Yes, you are correct about the low pressure cut-off. I guess I have worked on too many old vehicles.
I assumed the same, yet to my suprise when I put a rock through my condensor and lost the refrigerant charge, the compressor was still cycling with the heater on. I disconnected the compressor clutch unit I had it repaired.
I assumed the same, yet to my suprise when I put a rock through my condensor and lost the refrigerant charge, the compressor was still cycling with the heater on. I disconnected the compressor clutch unit I had it repaired.
Now that's interesting. I wonder if there is a design flaw there, since that should not happen?
I've already added the screen to my FJ, so I'm not too worried about the condenser, but this is news none-the-less.
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07 Titanium loaded..
Current mods: OME883's & Bilstein513's, BFG KM2's, Bridgestone Revos, Trailgear Sliders, K&N Drop in, 08 side visors, 35% tint, Redline gear oil, Atrac hack, mini-ITX PC (GPS & wardriving), upgraded speakers, custom rear door sub, custom air dam w/ hella spots and surf rack, grill mounted hella driving and fog lites, air horns, solar batter charger, rear 12V outlet, block heater, painted stock alloys (1 set black, 1 set graphite)..
Now that's interesting. I wonder if there is a design flaw there, since that should not happen?
I've already added the screen to my FJ, so I'm not too worried about the condenser, but this is news none-the-less.
I dont mean a rock though the front making a pinhole , I mean I hit a damn boulder the went though my bumper and put a three inch hole in the condensor. I then build my own skid plates.
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