Wacky AC Pressures- Low side high high side low

[js0k]

Hey guys, I have what is probably a stupid question but no normal AC chart covers it so I might as well ask.

Having some AC issues.When compressor is off, pressures are obviously equal at about 100. When I turn the compressor on, the low side climbs and the high side doesn’t really do anything. Last time I hooked the gauges up, the low side went all the way to “retard”.

System has a new rockauto special expansion valve and filter/dryer. Charged with 22oz of the finest Walmart 134A.

Thinking it could be a compressor issue? I have no idea. Hopefully some of y’all have ideas! Thanks!

 

[pithicus]

Does it get cold?
maybe a stuck or blocked expansion valve
Are you certain the high and low ports are not swapped?
on my denso 10p15c compressor, the low side is the one closest to the engine.
[the black one in this pic] https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/02-clean-compressor-jpg.1120736/

 

[3_puppies]

in the pic above, is it running or off? the preasures are equal
if off, the preasures seem high, I don't recall but I thought they should be in the 70-80 range
does the compressor engage?
does it stay on or does it cycle?

 

[js0k]

Does it get cold?
maybe a stuck or blocked expansion valve
Are you certain the high and low ports are not swapped?
on my denso 10p15c compressor, the low side is the one closest to the engine.
[the black one in this pic] https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/02-clean-compressor-jpg.1120736/

When I first charged it felt like it got cold, but didn’t this afternoon.

Not sure on the ports but vang they only connect one way?

 

[js0k]

in the pic above, is it running or off? the preasures are equal
if off, the preasures seem high, I don't recall but I thought they should be in the 70-80 range
does the compressor engage?
does it stay on or does it cycle?

It’s running. Here’s what the gauges looked like last time:

Equal pressures screams “compressor isn’t working”, but the clutch seemed engaged. What threw me off was that after this pic, the low side climbed so high it went to the dampened “retard” area of the gauge.

 

[3_puppies]

when disconnected, do both guages return to zero with nothing in the lines?

is the center section of the clutch is turning when engaged?

 

[js0k]

when disconnected, do both guages return to zero with nothing in the lines?

is the center section of the clutch is turning when engaged?

I’ll have to double check the center, and yes when the gauges are disconnected they return to zero, when the compressor is off the pressures equalize

 

[jgrimmy]

Hey guys, I have what is probably a stupid question but no normal AC chart covers it so I might as well ask.

Having some AC issues.When compressor is off, pressures are obviously equal at about 100. When I turn the compressor on, the low side climbs and the high side doesn’t really do anything. Last time I hooked the gauges up, the low side went all the way to “retard”.

System has a new rockauto special expansion valve and filter/dryer. Charged with 22oz of the finest Walmart 134A.

Thinking it could be a compressor issue? I have no idea. Hopefully some of y’all have ideas! Thanks!

View attachment 2298962

I know this post is 4 years old but I’m having the identical issue. What did you find was causing your problem? Thank you.