my a/c has been very low on refrigerant (probably out).. i added a few cans tonight.. the first can got the clutch cycling, then the second can kept the a/c cycling full time and blowing cold.. What i have concerns about is that my compressor has ticking/rattling noises when engaged, the belt shakes as if its loose(but its tight), and the compressor and one line gets too hot to the touch..i just shut it off.. was i supposed the add a conditioner or oil to the charge? did I do damage? ..its a 86 Trans am, v-belt system

 

a few questions. did you vacuum the system? was the system converted to r134a? sounds like the compressor may be about to let go. but a hot high side line is normal.

 

It has the converted fittings, but i didn't think of the system needing a vacuum. Not only is a line hot, but the compressor is very hot. Will a clutch problem heat up the compressor? .will an oil charge help?

 

what was the system pressure before charging? if it has a full charge now it may be too late to add oil but you can try. when the compressor does lock, make sure you at least replace the accumulator and orifice tube, add 2oz of the correct pag oil when you replace the compressor. if you get a salvage yard compressor make sure the pulley and clutch spin with the right drag and replace the oil in the compressor and pull a good vacuum.i like to flush the entire system with ac flush.

 

I did not have gauges, just recklessly added refrigerant I guess.. I 've done this years back with no problems.. Will get an oiler charge can tomorrow and see if that calms things down. What concerns me most is the erratic belt shaking and easily heated compressor..