Need some A/C condensor advice
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Homestead
Need some A/C condensor advice
i think i have a truck with a condenser that has a restriction, im looking for some advice as to how i could prove this with a test or something maybe like a temp test across from the inlet to outlet side...the symptoms are lack of cooling the hotter the temp outside the worse the cooling is also when it rains while im driving the it fezzes me out....ill post pressure readings later.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Yes, it sounds like a restriction...on the OUTSIDE. Classic symptoms of poor airflow over the condenser.
The fact that it works well when rain is cooling the condenser indicates there are no internal issues. You can simulate this by misting the condenser with your garden hose.
Flush the exterior of the condenser and radiator with a strong detergent like Simple Green or Purple Power followed by lots of water from your garden hose, Preferably from the engine side. You might need to do this a couple of times.
If possible, unbolt the radiator and clean between the 2 heat exchangers. You'll be amazed at what winds up between them.
I would also bet $5 that you'll find the fan clutch is really weak. If the AC warms up at idle after cleaning the heat exchangers, replace the fan clutch. Your trucks are 97 and 01, the original fan clutches are on borrowed time in both of them. I'm seeing a lot of fan clutch failures lately on trucks in that age range, especially diesels.
The fact that it works well when rain is cooling the condenser indicates there are no internal issues. You can simulate this by misting the condenser with your garden hose.
Flush the exterior of the condenser and radiator with a strong detergent like Simple Green or Purple Power followed by lots of water from your garden hose, Preferably from the engine side. You might need to do this a couple of times.
If possible, unbolt the radiator and clean between the 2 heat exchangers. You'll be amazed at what winds up between them.
I would also bet $5 that you'll find the fan clutch is really weak. If the AC warms up at idle after cleaning the heat exchangers, replace the fan clutch. Your trucks are 97 and 01, the original fan clutches are on borrowed time in both of them. I'm seeing a lot of fan clutch failures lately on trucks in that age range, especially diesels.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Beef150
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Aug 9, 2013 01:46 AM
aggiecowboy1987
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
6
Jul 22, 2009 07:28 PM
JDC534
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
9
Jun 28, 2007 05:13 AM
