My '88 Fiero - The Never-Ending Saga

[Fierofool]

Since the dryer was replaced, check to be sure the cycle switch is plugged up.  Also, since you converted to 134a, install a cycle switch for a 134a system and be sure the orifice tube is for 134a.  The 134a switch has the correct pressure on and off settings.  The old R12 switch is incorrect.

If the compressor won't run, how did they charge it?

[GTRS Fiero]

Since the dryer was replaced, check to be sure the cycle switch is plugged up.  Also, since you converted to 134a, install a cycle switch for a 134a system and be sure the orifice tube is for 134a.  The 134a switch has the correct pressure on and off settings.  The old R12 switch is incorrect.

If the compressor won't run, how did they charge it?

The system was already on 134a, supposedly.  No conversion sticker, though.

The compressor doesn't even engage.  It acts as if it's unplugged.  I don't know how it was charged, but that's good info about the cycle switch & orifice tube.

[GTRS Fiero]

My rev limiter may kick in too soon.  The RPMs don't seem to be too high, but the rev limiter certainly works.

[GTRS Fiero]

The cycle switch is for 134a.  12V on one side, .25v on the other side=doesn't work.

Not looking good for having my Fiero back this month.

[Raydar]

The cycle switch is for 134a.  12V on one side, .25v on the other side=doesn't work.

Not looking good for having my Fiero back this month.

With pressure present, the switch will close. If it doesn't see pressure, it won't cycle.
Sometimes, I have to unplug the switch and jumper the connector to get the compressor to run, in order to get it to take a charge.

[GTRS Fiero]

I know nothing about AC, as you'll see.  The compressor must be running to take a charge?

[Fierofool]

I'm thinking the cycle switch is nothing but a pass-through switch, providing a ground upon closing, or having voltage on one side only and passing it to the clutch when it closes.  I also don't know much about A/C. 

Who's recharging the system?  It should have been vacuumed down, oil added to the system before recharging with refrigerant. 

[GTRS Fiero]

The same guy doing most of the work is also doing the AC.

[Raydar]

The compressor must be running to take a charge?

It'll take some refrigerant without the compressor running, but if the compressor is running, it will draw the refrigerant in.
Note... The refrigerant circulates the oil. The compressor must not be allowed to run for an extended period without refrigerant in the system. It can turn the compressor into a doorstop in fairly short order, due to lack of lubrication. Don't ask how I know this.

[GTRS Fiero]

Well, until the compressor does SOMETHING, I guess the oil isn't that important, but I'm learning SO MUCH about these things.

[TopNotch]

Since you're supposed to put a vacuum on your AC system after you do any work on it, the vacuum will pull in the first can of refrigerant. And that should be enough to run it to add more.
BTW, if you're re-doing an AC system for R134a, you must replace the mineral oil in your compressor with ester oil of the correct viscosity. For a V5 compressor (found in later model 4-cylinder Fieros), that means ISO 100 viscosity ester oil, not the ISO 46 ester oil found in most parts stores.

[Raydar]

Since you're supposed to put a vacuum on your AC system after you do any work on it, the vacuum will pull in the first can of refrigerant. And that should be enough to run it to add more.
....

Very true. Thanks.

[GTRS Fiero]

It's a new compressor.

The AC is now working.  Apparently, it took 2 cans.  Blue gauge at 42, red at 275.  Held that pressure for a week, apparently.  No more coolant added.

[GTRS Fiero]

Well, the cruise doesn't work, and the alignment is off.  WAY off.  I've never heard of having to grind on the struts to fix alignment.  The '88 is very adjustable.  I would think think that ot could compensate fine--if the axles are the correct length.

[Fierofool]

Suspension won't bolt up if the axles are the wrong length.  Grinding on the knuckles or struts can cause a failure.  The only area that I know of that's safe to grind on is the spring perch.  When going with oversize or wider tires or the wrong offset wheels, you can encounter interference on the spring perch.  Some of that can be ground off for clearance.  But that usually happens with the pre-88's.