2002 Ford Escape: Flushed system, new compressor, topped off with oil and coolant, still not blowing cold air

Question

It kind of worked last year but barely. Yesterday I flushed the system by

Flushing AC cleaning solvent from the high end out the low end. I did not disconnect the hose but instead pushed the pin in on the low end so the solvent could make its way through. I then blew air through the system until only air was coming out.

Today I replaced the AC compressor with a new compressor. I then topped off the system with oil (PAG-46, compressor came with 3oz, I added the remaining 4 ounces through the low port). Then I started the engine, put AC on high and added R-134a until the fill gauge was in green. If I add too much I can hear the compressor cycle on and off but depressing the pin on the high side brings the pressure back down and the fill gauge is currently stable in the top 3/4 of the green section (not in the yellow or red sections).
The AC doesn't blow cold at all. As far as I can tell there is zero difference between having the AC on and just using the regular fan.
I've heard if you don't vacuum the system it won't give you maximum performance but since I am getting zero performance I don't know if that's the main culprit.
One additional piece of information is whenever I use the defroster the windows fog up. So maybe there is moisture in some part of the system but idk if that would effect the AC.
Could it be the condenser? I'll replace it but I know it will be a big pain in the butt and I don't want to waste even more money on this.

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 · Accepted Answer

Vacuuming the system isn't a "do if you want to" ... it is a must do if you want the system to work. There are two reasons to vacuum the system before entering refrigerant. First, it gets all atmosphere out of the system. Atmosphere will not work as a refrigerant and will keep the system from working correctly. Secondly, you vacuum the system to ensure there aren't any leaks. You do this by keeping it under vacuum for 30 minutes or so and reading the gauge to ensure you're not re-introducing atmosphere back into the system. If good, it also tells you the system will then hold refrigerant.
From what you've stated, since you've not vacuumed, this is most likely your issue. You may have other issues, but until you do this, you won't know what the other issues might be.

2002 Ford Escape: Flushed system, new compressor, topped off with oil and coolant, still not blowing cold air

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