First, I highly recommend checking the heater valve and its pipings as Machine Man suggested. Do this first then below. Actually if you noticed the AC was colder on first starting up the car for the day (engine stone cold) but later it becomes less cold as engine heating up then this may be a sign of still working heater (despite turning it off).

Second, to simulate almost ideal condenser cooling, you could splash a pail of cold tap water onto the condenser while system is running. Maybe do this outside the garage. If the cooling doesn't improve a bit (it should improve within minutes) then stop there. Take this to ac shop.



"The AC relay had cracked contacts, but two of the capacitors were also leaking. I figured it just wasn't worth me messing with it and ordered one "

Yes the relay doesn't owe you a thing. I think this is the cause of your no power. You could jump the relay as Machine Man suggested.


"It might just be a poor functioning compressor. "

Its possible. But to know this you'll have to use pro-gauges as they have that high-side gauge too. Lots of diagnostic info can be obtained from the high-side reading because thats the part that supposed to deal with the heart of AC system - the compressor. And for TXV system the high-side reading may help to diagnose its problems too.


"I am now questioning the validity of my non professional ac gauge"

Fairly speaking the non-pro gauge that came with the kit was supposed to be a "guide" for refilling. Its not for reference as pro-gauges could be. Your gauge may show increased reading as the ambient temp may have increased a bit from last time. THIS is the reason why refilling by WEIGHT is preferred. You weigh the refrigerant tank, dump the refrigerant into the system, stop a while and weigh the tank again to know how much have been dispensed. With a digital weighing machine you could leave the tank on the machine and watch its weight reduce as you refill. Then stop when there is enough.

If refilling by weight is done AND the AC still not performing well then you know its not about refrigerant charge anymore, the fault must be in OTHER AC components. This makes troubleshooting simpler.

I think if cooling doesn't improve by this time take it to ac shop for quick cool-down this summer.

Regards,
Amarin.