AC compressor doesn't kick on anymore

[SmogSUX]

What about if I JUST filled my refridgerant and converted to 134A since all the R12? leaked out...I fixed the leak and converted, but the ac isn't Ice cold like it should be. Just moderately cool. Any ideas?

[EtaSport]

What about if I JUST filled my refridgerant and converted to 134A since all the R12? leaked out...I fixed the leak and converted, but the ac isn't Ice cold like it should be. Just moderately cool. Any ideas?

how much did you put in? Only way to really diagnose would be to use a manifold gauge set to check the pressures. Usually if its not cold, low side pressure is higher, most people see 50 psi with 'cool' air. If high side is lower (with a higher low side) that usually means you didnt add enough.

[SmogSUX]

I added 3 12oz cans of it..some of it might have leaked out while I was putting it in, but pretty much almost 36oz. Could it be my drier? compressor going out? etc...my friend a mechanic looked at it real quick, but didn't have time to really get into it and couldn't figure it out.

[lordofthewaters]

If it's been exposed to air. IE the system opened then the dryer/receiver should be replaced, and vaccuumed down. Although I've done it and not vacced it.

[ddavidv]

Another thing I've been told (so take that for what it's worth) is that using 134a is not a pound-for-pound replacement for R12. It may take the manifold gauges and some 'tweaking' of the amount installed to get the coldest possible output.
But, as above, if you didn't replace the drier and/or have the system fully vacuumed out first, it also probably won't work right.

[EtaSport]

Another thing I've been told (so take that for what it's worth) is that using 134a is not a pound-for-pound replacement for R12. It may take the manifold gauges and some 'tweaking' of the amount installed to get the coldest possible output.
But, as above, if you didn't replace the drier and/or have the system fully vacuumed out first, it also probably won't work right.

above is true.. you should add 80 percent (might just want to verify actual percentage) of whatever the r12 amount is in r134a. Reason is r134a operates at higher pressures because it isnt as efficient as the r12 is. And I do agree that the system should be fully discharged and vacuumed out. If you had to open the system, I would also recommend (as others have) replacing some o-rings, at least the reciever dryer, and maybe the expansion valve.

Ive seen r12 systems that had 'leaked' still recover a little bit of refrigerant. I also recommend ester oil on anything that didnt come with r134a from the factory.