The needle will go up and down as compresser turns off and then back on.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

The needle should move in concert with the compressor cycling. You need more freon in it for the compressor to run the proper pressures. But if your filling it whilst you have a leak, you most assuredly will be filling it again.

 

A/C systems don't need recharging after time, if it needs freon then there is a leak and the most common leak spot is the seal on the compressor. You need to have a shop with a UV light locate the leak as repair then recharge.

The cycling of the compressor is completely normal.

Wayne

 

I'm not an expert, but that's ^ what I've been reading to be true. I've read and been told it's normal to need recharges after awhile.

 

Well if recharging is needed and is considered normal I have had great luck and never ever needed a recharge in the many older vehicles I have owned.

Its a closed system why is it "normal" to need recharging? I'm no A/C expert but if you ask me recharging A/C is not normal, unless replacing a part of the A/C system or there is a leak.

Wayne

 

Same reason you change your oil, transmission fluid, etc... they are used in a closed system. However, it depends how often you use it and conditions it's being used in on the longevity. I live in the southeast and it's 13 year old truck. It practically stays on April - October.

 

I am not an expert by any means. Here is as I see it. My dual gauge tester has a sight gauge, if bubbles are present, its low on Freon and needs to have leak found and repaired. I have never heard of the Freon just loosing it ability to remove heat and needs replacing.

Now let me pull my pants down and get ready for a spanking by the members. Why can't we low budget people simply connect the Freon system to a shop air supply, say 50 psi and check for leaks with soap suds and look for air bubbles. If this is possible, should the cycling switch be jumped and have the engine running?

Remember, after any repair of the Freon system is made, a complete evacuation of the system is required and if for no other reason, IF IT HOLDS VACUUM, there is no leak. That equals no wasted money for us low budget guys.

 

The A/C system is nothing like the examples you listed. Freon doesn't lose it's cooling ability.

Wayne

 

Like I said I'm not an expert and you said you weren't either so I'm not sure where your definitive knowledge on freon is coming from, I just am thinking logically that most things don't last forever. If auto parts stores sell recharge kits and car repair shops preform recharges without fixing leaks or seal replacements then my assumption is that freon can evaporate from the vehicle. Which you're correct that freon doesn't lose it's "cool" ability my point is that a closed system does need maintenance over a vehicle's lifespan. I appreciate the opinions from everyone but, I think my initial question has been answered that since my A/C is no longer blowing cold air the first step is trying to recharge it myself and see if it corrects the problem with at least 1 can, if not two. We'll cross the next bridge if that doesn't correct it.