AC help on tripac. Low side is low. High side is normal.

Stuck expansion valve.

 

Sounds like it's low on freon. Did you fully charge the system? You might have a leak.

 

sounds like it's undercharged to me.

 

Commonly what happens is the system is working until something like this happens. Once the system is recovered and vacuumed the needle inside the expansion valve seats slightly different and gets stuck. Then everything is reassembled and charged and you get behavior like this. Now, I should have asked before, you said the compressor failed... did it put metal into the system? How did it fail? If you have metal in the system, now you have a lot of work to do and money to spend.

 

I just looked online for information on the Tripac. I did not see any mention of an expansion valve anywhere in the system. If it does have one, Heavyd would be correct. If it does not, it would have to have a fixed orifice tube in the liquid line or in the evaporator where the liquid line goes into it. A fixed orifice generally has a small filter built into it.

If you are going to attempt the repair yourself, be very careful of the high pressure lines. They get very hot when the system is operating and will burn you.

Just out of curiosity, did you check the sight glass while the system is running to confirm no air bubbles. Air bubbles would indicate low freon).

If you do not know which is the liquid line, it is the smaller diameter line between the condenser and evaporator.

 

It may have an orifice tube. The more I think about the more I can't remember, LOL! Regardless, if there is metal in the system, chances are it has found it's way here and causing trouble. When you take off the old compressor and check the ports, if you see metal shavings it is a safe beat it is throughout the system. The receiver/drier will not filter everything. With a system that has had metal contamination you are basically looking at flushing all the lines, replacing the expansion valve, (or orifice tube), replacing the condenser and evaporator. Unfortunately, your new compressor may need to be also replaced again if metal from the old one has gotten to it. Evaporator and condensers can be flushed, but not you cannot be 100% certain they are cleaned fully. This is why is it highly recommended to just replace those components. This is expensive and must be done thoroughly and properly the first time or this vicious cycle will just repeat itself. Flushing must be done with the proper chemicals. This really isn't something for the diy'er. I recommend to have a professional do this if you find it is contaminated.

 

I would recommend the one out in Kent WA. Avoid the one in Spokane WA.