A/C question.

[muncher]

Hi All.
I finally got round to re-gassing my GMC. Its a 1987 305 stepside. I now have ice cold A/C......nice. Hope you don't think this is a daft question but how loud should the compressor sound when it is on?
Cheers.

[Liberty]

Shouldn't be loud at all. If it sounds likd its growling there is a problem.

Really my R4 was silent except you could hear the clutch make a wimpy spin and hiss.

[muncher]

It is much louder than that. Any suggestion on what it could be that has failed?

[Liberty]

What kind of noise is it making?
Does is it loud all the time or only when engaged?

Chances are its failing and will probably stop working soon. These R4 compressors aren't exactly known for their reliability.

Just be sure to replace it with a new unit and not a rebuild.

[muncher]

It only makes the noise when the A/C is switched on. It sounds like a dry bearing, if that makes sense.

[pontgta]

Originally Posted by muncher

It only makes the noise when the A/C is switched on. It sounds like a dry bearing, if that makes sense.

More than likely your compressor is bad. You can try putting oil in it . Was this a replacement or original? Yes i have had ones blow cold, but then i take the orfice tube out and see metal shavings.

[95 S_Trucker]

It could be the bearings in the compressor. Or the compressor itself. If the compressor is failing, most of the time it will send metal shavings throughout the system. That will mean lots of flushing and replacing of parts.

Were the a/c gauges smooth or was the high side needle bouncing and erratic?

[muncher]

Both gauges were smooth, no bouncing, no Leaks. I have not used the A/C since. Where would the oil be put in, worth a try.

[4x4toy]

You can get a can of oil charge for the A/C system. It will be in a small can, looks like refrigerant can. It has oil and some refrigerant in it, it will connect to low side service port. Make sure the oil is compatible with your system.

[muncher]

Thanks for that. I will check with the guy who re gassed it. If it doesn't work then I guess its a rebuild or replace.

[Liberty]

Originally Posted by muncher

Thanks for that. I will check with the guy who re gassed it. If it doesn't work then I guess its a rebuild or replace.

To be honest, they're not worth the rebuild.

Also when you do replace the compressor, make sure it is not remanufactured. For whatever reason these R4s just do not rebuild well so you need to make sure you get a brand new one.