well, I guess we don't get any AC this trip (as usual).
I pulled the compressor, dumped out the oil (a little under 4 oz) and per the manual refilled with 6 oz fresh oil.
The old oil was green, which I hope is from the refrigerant dye. Otherwise...hmmm...
Installed the pricey new expansion valve, pulled a vacuum, let it sit to check for leaks, charged with three 6oz cans.

If anything, it's worse than before. At idle, the low side is about 18, and the high about 120. My better
half wasn't here to hold it at 1500rpm, but clearly it would have been even lower. Cooling is virtually nonexistent,
though the lines were sweating on one side and mildy warm on the other after a few minutes.

Must be the compressor I guess, as unlikely as that seems. I don't know what else it could be.

thanks for all the help.

Karen
1975 26'