air conditioner problems

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Jun 13, 2011 | 12:42 PM

mduvalsr

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air conditioner problems

I have a 1999 ford f350 with 7.3 diesel. I tow a 37ft fifth wheel trailer and when the air conditioner is turned on the electric fan by the radiator constantly kicks on and off. When the trailer is not in tow everything works fine. The ford dealer has checked all the codes and everything is good. I took it to another mechanic and he also has no idea whats going on. Anybody out there have any ideas whats wrong. Any help would be appreciated.

Jun 13, 2011 | 01:15 PM

jc8825

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From: Fort Worth

There is no electric fan by the radiator...

Jun 13, 2011 | 02:01 PM

mduvalsr

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Thanks for the info. What do I hear kicking on and off all the time. It doesn' sound like the air conditioner compressor. Is there anything that could cause that jerking? Thanks for any info

Jun 13, 2011 | 02:07 PM

jc8825

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If you hear a clicking on and off, it would be the compressor clutch. If it does it quickly (every 3 seconds or so), you have either low pressure in the lines, needing just a recharge; a high pressure in the lines, meaning you have a blockage somewhere in the lines, probably in the orifice tube; or it could be your high pressure switch.

Does the A/C work at all or does it cool, then fail to cool?

Jun 13, 2011 | 04:42 PM

mduvalsr

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What i don't understand is why it acts up only with a load on the truck?

Jun 13, 2011 | 04:53 PM

jc8825

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So the A/C works without a load? Are you sure that the air doesn't just move to the defrost vents? That would be indicative of a vacuum leak.

Jun 13, 2011 | 05:06 PM

mduvalsr

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Sorry I failed to answer your Question before. The truck cools fine when the trailer is attached but it the jerking from whatever is turning on and off. The other day it was really hot outside and I had the air conditioner running before I hitch up the trailer and drove all the way to kansas city without any problems. It only happens when I am rolling down the highway with the trailer and I decide to turn on the ac. Without the trailer there is no problem anytime plus the ac will freeze you out of there even in the hottest weather

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Jun 13, 2011 | 05:51 PM

mduvalsr

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Thanks for the info I'll take it to a ac specialist and see if they can track down the problem

Jun 14, 2011 | 01:20 PM

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mikesmayhem

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From: Stacy, MN

Sounds like a possible vacuum leak. My truck has a vacuum issue and when it is under load, the A/C compressor would disengage. No problems when not towing but very problematic when towing a trailer up a hill. I had a check valve put in and I will see if it fixes it the next time I tow...