In a 2001 PT Cruiser I opened the system up when I did the timing belt it was empty then and it wont take any charge at all, like its blocked up. The pressure gauge jumps up when I turn the A/C on but then it just wont take any more charge. I hit the schrader valve up to release the pressure and there is so little there. Lincoln used to have a filter built into one of the lines, but its pretty uncommon they get clogged. what should I do first.

 

What system are u using to put it in?

 

just a can hooked to my gauge set...no vacuum pump

 

The can has over 100psi in it it should just about empty all of itself in there.

 

Try holding the can upside down when filling and warming it in your hands. That should push some liquid into the system. You need to get enough in there to create some pressure to allow the system to turn on. Then it'll suck in the rest.

Part of the problem is that when you opened up the system, you got a lot of air and humidity in there. Your best bet is to evacuate the system before filling it. That will get out air and moisture, both of which are not good for the system. You can use an air venturi pump (cheap) if you have compressed air available. You can buy an electric vacuum pump (expensive) if you don't have air. The electric pump will pull a better vacuum.

Another problem is that you'll have a hard time putting in the exact amount of refrigerant that is called for. You can solve all those problems by taking it to an auto A/C shop and paying them to do a pump down and re-fill.