a/c question - is there a relief valve?
a/c question - is there a relief valve?
2004 MCS. Been having problem with a/c system. Tried to fix with parts-store 134a-in-a-can. Shortly thereafter, with a/c on max, there was a visible and audible 'pfft' from near the compressor. If I introduced too much refrigerant, is it possible that I triggered a pressure relief valve? Inspection reveals what looks to be such on the underside of the compressor, adjacent to one of the hose junctions. TIA
I don't know but I do not think so. Pressures are 250+ often and I have never heard of one ever in any car (doesn't me they don't exist, but you asked...)
I find it best to always get the goo with dye in it (and oil if the system is empty). The dye makes leak detection easy.
With that said, it seems most often, no matter what people do, usually a compressor fixes things. I have a post with a vendor I used for the wife here.
It isn't that you shouldn't look for leaks elsewhere, it just seems in the end odds are you need a compressor based on my reading. I have never seen another fix (except adding a can) that I remember.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ricks-ftw.html
I find it best to always get the goo with dye in it (and oil if the system is empty). The dye makes leak detection easy.
With that said, it seems most often, no matter what people do, usually a compressor fixes things. I have a post with a vendor I used for the wife here.
It isn't that you shouldn't look for leaks elsewhere, it just seems in the end odds are you need a compressor based on my reading. I have never seen another fix (except adding a can) that I remember.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ricks-ftw.html
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
well I've seen a leak in the dryer and in the condensor ... it can happen and it is always a bummer.
Seems to me I remember a threat about someone who knew what they were doing encountering a high pressure cutout and after over pressurizing their system it stopped completely and they had to spill off some gas to get the system back in limits.
For me, a/c is one of those systems that I recognize I only know enuf about to be dangerous and am best leaving it to a "pro". My local Goodyear auto center will check my a/c for performance and leaks for $20 and top off the magic juice at the going rate per pound for the gas. I can't ask for better than that deal.... There is nothing special about the basic guts of the a/c in a MINI and any decent auto a/c guy should be able to handle at least a leak check (which is a lot easier when you have one of the pro's magic electronic shiffer tools) and gas top off. Similarly I just had the home system checked, cleaned and gas topped off for $65 .... good insurance as I look at it.
Seems to me I remember a threat about someone who knew what they were doing encountering a high pressure cutout and after over pressurizing their system it stopped completely and they had to spill off some gas to get the system back in limits.
For me, a/c is one of those systems that I recognize I only know enuf about to be dangerous and am best leaving it to a "pro". My local Goodyear auto center will check my a/c for performance and leaks for $20 and top off the magic juice at the going rate per pound for the gas. I can't ask for better than that deal.... There is nothing special about the basic guts of the a/c in a MINI and any decent auto a/c guy should be able to handle at least a leak check (which is a lot easier when you have one of the pro's magic electronic shiffer tools) and gas top off. Similarly I just had the home system checked, cleaned and gas topped off for $65 .... good insurance as I look at it.
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