[creeper]

thanks for the link, I saw that just after it was posted

MyFirstZ, at the moment the low side is reading 0 just sitting, and never kicks in, don't have a gauge for the high side. I added a bit of refrigerant so that it was at the top of the recommended pressure range (according to the can I bought) just to see, and the compressor started making all sorts of ticking/tapping sounds. I figured that meant there was too much in there so I slowly let it out, which made the ticking stop, and the compressor was still running, but still blowing hot. I haven't touched anything since but now it's not even engaging.

would it be worth it to recharge with a dye and refrigerant and see if I have a leak? orrr just find a used compressor reasonably priced and do both at the same time?