Stumped: 2012 Odyssey purging refrigerant

[tbirdtbird]

Get the new valve from an entirely different source

[Tecni]

I can relate. I think most of us on here have gotten headaches with problems like this. I'd still start with replacing the HPRV. They're cheap, and at least then we could rule it out.

Do I understand correctly that you can charge the system only to a reading of 110 PSI on the high side (when it should be about 160 PSI at full charge and at 71 degrees ambient) before the HPRV starts to release? If so, the reduced high-side pressure could be the reason why the compressor isn't cycling yet. How much refrigerant does it take before the HPRV starts to release?

Yes, at 110psi ~ on the High side and barely over 12 oz and it starts to spew…

[DetroitAC]

It seems very improbable to have two defective PRV, especially the OP says he installed NEW Denso compressor. I'm doubtful it's what is really going on. Maybe try a different gauge set, yours is not opening maybe, gage stuck, valve not opening, 110 on yours is in reality 550 psi? I'm just guessing of course

PRV can leak after the first activation, but I don't know how they could open at such a wrong pressure. It's a preloaded spring putting a force on a ball, very reliable to open at the set pressure. not very reliable to seal completely so they are sometimes potted when new.

[Tecni]

It seems very improbable to have two defective PRV, especially the OP says he installed NEW Denso compressor. I'm doubtful it's what is really going on. Maybe try a different gauge set, yours is not opening maybe, gage stuck, valve not opening, 110 on yours is in reality 550 psi? I'm just guessing of course

PRV can leak after the first activation, but I don't know how they could open at such a wrong pressure. It's a preloaded spring putting a force on a ball, very reliable to open at the set pressure. not very reliable to seal completely so they are sometimes potted when new.

Ok, I just had a thought. I think that valve is indeed opening at say 300+ psi because it’s actually reaching that pressure but I might not be reading it on my gauge because the port is after the condenser so if there is an obstruction there, I’d never see the correct pressure.

[Tecni]

Anybody?

[DetroitAC]

I think you are on the right track, plugged up condenser outlet screen maybe.

If you stop charging before the PRV pops there will be a big temp drop between condenser manifold and liquid line, liquid line might even be cold before the TXV