2001 mazda tribute lx v6 automatic with 195k miles. The AC system has been working great up until a week or so ago.

The ac works reasonably well on start up. The air temp from the vent stays about 56 degrees with 85 degree ambient temp. The low side fluctuates from 20-45 psi. The high side fluctuates from 145-155psi. The compressor engages and disengages periodicaly which seems normal. The lowside pressure line is very cold to the touch.

After about 15 min of operating at MaxAC the system goes wacky. The compressor stops engaging. the low side pressure goes to 70psi and the high side to 135psi. If I shut off the car and let it sit for an hour it will work properly again.

While connecting the gages, I lost some of teh charge from the high side. What came out was the neon yellow die so I can tell its been serviced before but I didn't see any evidence of black particulates aka "black death".

I hope someone has experienced this and found the right fix. Thanks guys.