Air conditioner problem

Fast cycling typically indicates low refrigerant charge. Your system has a leak somewhere. Not unusual for a 7-8 year old vehicle. The proper way to deal with it is to have a professional find the source of the leak, repair and recharge. I will leave improvisation advice to other members of this group...

I put a gauge on the low side. At 25lbs the clutch energizes and cuts out at 45 lbs (readings are approximate) still cycling at about 3 second intervals. From here where should I go?

TIA, Dave

Traveler was right , usually low on freon, look for hose connections that have a oily residue, Check if the clutch is oily etc.

Have a a/c mechanic pull a vacuum and if it passes add dye and freon and check after a few days/weeks

First thing ro do is realize that you cannot diagnose AC concerns from only low side pressures.... Your low side pressures aren't doing anything abnormal. What is abnormal is the rapid clutch cycling times.... and the most common (but not the only) cause of rapid cycling is a low refrigerant charge...

The correct way to proceed from a proper diagnosis of a low charge (using both high and low side gauges), would be to fecover the refrigerant and pull a deep vacuum on the system. Once vacuum reaches ~27 inches, the pump is turned off and the valves closed and we observe the gauges... If and how fast the vacuum drops will have a bearing on our repair strategy.

Venting refrigerant of any sort to atmosphere is illegal in my province - something I agree with and will support to my last breath (think about it....). Topping off with cans from Partz R Us has the possibility of causing system damage (especially in the case of a misdiagnosis) or contributing to pollution.

While I applaud and even help DIYers with auto repairs (and saving money), some auto repair efforts are inappropriate for those without specialized knowledge and equipment.

Jim, thanks and I wholeheartedly agree! I took it in this morning and, after professional troubleshooting, the problem was determined to be minor..... A minor hole in the evaporator. New evaporator, dryer etc. and I will be able to pick it up this evening!

Dave

Dave... I'm happy for two reasons.... first, you didn't call me a lecturing bastuhd (even though I can be...).... second, you'll be on the road and COOL for less than you originally figured...

Everyone wins!!!!