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help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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sth624
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Aug 3, 2006, 3:44 PM
Post #1 of 15
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help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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I'm all ready to re-charge my system, I just can't seem to find the low pressure port. If you know where it might be hiding, I'd love to know. Thanks for your help.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2006, 1:12 PM
Post #2 of 15
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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Go easy here. The low port is anywhere from on the compressor to on the low side line to firewall - just follow it. If you made a repair that lost refrigerant you are supposed to and must start from a vacuum or you would be wasting your time and money.
If you are just filling it up you really need to find the leak and fix it, T
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sth624
Novice
Aug 4, 2006, 1:27 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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thanks for the reply. The system had to be re-charged also about 2 years ago - my guess is there's a slow leak. The more I learn about auto A/C systems, I've decided to take it to a local repair shop to have the A/C looked at.
Unfortunately, I'm new to the area (downtown/northeast Dallas) -- i'm trying to find a decent local shop via friend's recommendations, or barring that, I may take it to an Izuzu dealer.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2006, 1:48 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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Dallas should have a ton of A/C shops and a dealer is fine too. The independant shops could be just as good if you need to do that. Since you said you were new to that area suggestions by friends is a good start.
I may stand alone but vehicles that really work their A/C will need a boost after a while. They all leak some over time but if it's real low it really needs fixing, T
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sth624
Novice
Aug 4, 2006, 1:52 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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if i were to simply hook up a gauge and take a reading and post it here, would that help decide whether I could simply fill it myself, or if it needs to go to the pros at a shop?
I've also been told the system should be evacuated before being recharged, to get the best result.
obivously, a/c work isn't my strong point. thanks again.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2006, 2:04 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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Give it a try I'll try to help. If using real gauges get both high and low will be great. If low only it's a gamble but still info. Take readings with engine at about 1,500 rpm and know that the compressor is on and windows open and the fans are working underhood. Take note of any frost and whether you get water (condensate) output under the car. What ever you do DON'T ADD TOO MUCH REFRGERANT! I'll try to walk you thru it if you want and need to add some, T
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sth624
Novice
Aug 4, 2006, 2:22 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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first, thanks so much for your help.
I have a low pressure only gauge, and I got it hooked up. The reading is about 80-85 with the A/C off. When I turn the A/C on, it winds straight down to zero. With RPM at 1100-2000 and the A/C on, the gauge stays right on zero. Air temperature here today 100 F and the engine was cold when I started it for 2 mins to do this check.
I have one can of R134a standing by. I'm fairly familiar with the procedure for adding refrigerant, but i'll gladly take your input. -- of course if you tell me to take it to a shop with these readings, I'll do that without hesitation. I'm not a risk taker with mechanics.
/Steve
(This post was edited by sth624 on Aug 4, 2006, 2:38 PM)
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sth624
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Aug 4, 2006, 2:30 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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** additional info::
i just went out and ran it a second time -- as the engine warmed up the idle dropped to 900 - at this point the LP gauge read about 15 -- still low. as RPM goes up through about 1200 or so, the pressure drops back off to zero, and comes back up to about 10 to 15 at idle (900 to 1000 RPM) --
also, not seeing any frost or any condensate dripping after 3-4 minutes running.
(This post was edited by sth624 on Aug 4, 2006, 2:30 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2006, 3:09 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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Those readings at the ambient temp means you have near nothing left in the system. My chart shows 23oz from empty with isn't much as vehicles go. It will act up quickly with a low charge with that volume.
OK: Now to find the leak as just filling it probably won't last. You can try that but if you just keep filling it up you risk the oil loss question and hard to know how much to add as there is no dipstick. You have pressure in it so the leak should show some oil residue. The hidden part is in the distribution box and hard to see without blowing a weekend so look for oil where the water should come out.
The compressor may show oil at the clutch and that's a sign of a bad shaft seal.
Run your finger under all hoses and connections. Oil = leak
The condenser (in front of radiator) may show stains of oil = that's toast!
You could add some canned dye which could help. I use an electronic detector which sniffs out the leaks but can go crazy if windy or leak is way to fast.
Some of the equipment for all this gets expensive so it may be a bargain to pay for the diagnosis and decide from there where you want to go.
Avoid the sealers and things for now. The success rate is low and none will fix a shaft seal. Let us know what you find and how you are making out with this. If this is an emergency you could just boost it up but don't let that low side gauge get much over 35 at the raised idle and stop if compressor complains and unplug it, T
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sth624
Novice
Aug 4, 2006, 3:38 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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i checked pretty carefully for leaks and didn't find any obvious ones. so, i added what I believe to be roughly half of a 12oz can of 134 -- i ended up with a reading of about 25psi at 1500rpm, and 43psi at a 900 rpm idle. the chart that came with the gauge recommends 50-55psi at 100 F at idle, so, at least i'm on the safe side. the a/c is definitely blowing cooler now. i'm off to drive for a bit and see how she does. thanks so much for your help today -- i'll write again later once i see how cool it is while driving.
/Steve
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sth624
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Aug 4, 2006, 3:43 PM
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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i read now you said to keep it under 35psi, not 25, at 1500 rpm - so i'm going to add some more before i go driving.
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sth624
Novice
Aug 4, 2006, 3:51 PM
Post #12 of 15
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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got it charged up to 35psi at 1500 rpm / 52psi at 850 rpm idle --
edit: took it for a 15 min drive on the highway - no complaints - a/c is working well.
i'll be keeping an eye on the system - i'll keep an eye out for leaks/oil, and if the pressure bleeds off again rather quickly, i'll take it into a shop to find & repair what would then be an obvious leak.
thanks again, have a great weekend. //Steve
(This post was edited by sth624 on Aug 4, 2006, 4:13 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2006, 5:30 PM
Post #13 of 15
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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Pressures will vary greatly with ambient temps. Don't get greedy and stop when a compressor stays on and middle vent temps are 40s-low 50sF. Monitor that while filling slowly - by that I mean stop and wait and let it stabilize and if you go over the right amount it will start putting out higher temps at the vents and too much more can blow up the system, T
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sth624
Novice
Aug 4, 2006, 6:00 PM
Post #14 of 15
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Re: help finding 1997 Isuzu Rodeo low pressure A/C port?
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yes, i stopped the filling and let it stabilize numerous times while filling. the vent temperature seemed "normal" to me- meaning it was blowing plenty cold.
i just checked the pressure again after letting it sit for 90 mins -- 44 psi at idle and 30 psi at 1500 rpm. stil 98 F outside but the sun is gone. so i'm done messing with it.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 5, 2006, 1:37 AM
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Sounds like you are good to go, Congratualations, T
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