I have a 97 OBW 180K. I swapped in a 2.2. When I got the car there was no refrigerant in the AC system. I went to recharge this AM because I am selling this weekend but the clutch will not turn on. Is there a way to get the clutch to turn on by jumping it? If so can you please explain? Or a way to tell of the AC compressor is shot?

The low pressure cut off switch has your system disabled.

 

If you pressureize the system to some degree

through the LOW pressure port,

the low pessure cut off switch should turn on the comp.

 

 

lets hope you are using gauges

As Skip points out, the clutch may not be able to be energized due to the switch being open because the system pressure is too low. If there hasn't been any refrigerant in the system, and especially if it's been open to atmosphere, there is likely moisture that will have to be removed (via a vacuum pump) before charging can be done. In addition, the desiccant may be saturated, in which case the receiver-dryer should be replaced. Any significant leaks may show up while the system is under vacuum, and refrigerant leak testing can be done without a full charge.

 

The links below may be useful, although the system might need professional attention.

 

http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/ACTheory.pdf

http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/ACMechanism.pdf

http://endwrench.com/images/pdfs/Service07MayEW.pdf

 

http://www.aircondition.com/tech/questions/82/

http://www.autoacrepairs.com/gauge_reading_and_diagnosis.htm

By the way, if you're working outdoors and it's particularly cold, it may take some time to "convince" the refrigerant to transfer from the cylinder to the system.