Will a compressor run without freon?

Do not run it with out refrigerant. It wil damage the compressor.

A compressor will run without freon but won't cool.

Most and I believe all freon compressors depend on the freon to cool the compressor as it runs. Damage can occur if you run very low or completely out of freon.

2edgesword wrote:
A compressor will run without freon but won't cool.

Compressor will not run without freon. The low pressure switch shuts it off.

Ranger Smith wrote:

2edgesword wrote:
A compressor will run without freon but won't cool.

Compressor will not run without freon. The low pressure switch shuts it off.

RV A/C units do not have low pressure switches they will run without gas until they lock up or the internal thermal opens up, and yes it will damage the compressor running without gas. They get hot because there is not cooling from the cool vapor coming back form the evaporator (suction line)they lock up because the oil will go out into the system and not circulate back to the compressor with out gas in the system.

Denny

Ranger Smith wrote:

2edgesword wrote:
A compressor will run without freon but won't cool.

Compressor will not run without freon. The low pressure switch shuts it off.

The OP is talking about Roof Top AC units, NOT Auto Dash Air units. There is NO switch or system on RV Roof top units that prevents the Compressor from running when their is NO Freon. Depending on the type leak (Large or small) the other problem on Roof Top AC units is HOW MUCH oil leaked out when it lost its charge. If the oil loss is significant (you will see the oil in the pan), then it is not a good idea to fix the leak and recharge. Better to replace the roof top unit. If the compressor is HOT to the touch then the Freon is gone. Replace the roof top upper unit. Doug

It will run but not cool and eventually burn up. :(

Auto compressors will run w/o Freon,....the real old ones anyway, but all the later models ('90+) have the LP switch inline, so they won't.

Dint know about Roof Air till now.

Now the question of repairability comes into play. Once the leak is found and repaired the chances of damage to the compressor by running it without freon is of concern. For me , I would replace it , the owner? We shall see.
Appreciate the feedback. Happy motoring.......

RJsfishin wrote:
Auto compressors will run w/o Freon,....the real old ones anyway, but all the later models ('90+) have the LP switch inline, so they won't.

Dint know about Roof Air till now.

Automotive Dash AC systems have had Compressor low/no freon kick outs since at least 1975. Doug (former NIASE AC Tech)