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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 09:28 PM
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A/C issues

I have an A/C problem.
my A/C hasn't been effective for quite a while. I just had the A/C serviced last Friday, 8 ounces added, no leaks. I also pulled the radiator and removed the accumulated fuzz (dirt, grass, etc.) from it on Friday. Now, the A/C is cooler, but nowhere near cold. I checked the interior portion of the system and it is clean. Fan works correctly. On Max A/C, the compressor doesn't always stay on. Is it supposed to? Which blend door is the one to control airflow?
Does anyone have suggestions for what to check next? I'm going to Vegas later this week and need cold air.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 09:39 PM
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Just went through this on a friend's dually. His compressor was on and off and on and off. It was the connector at the pressure sensor. I'd check that, and then also measure the air gap and adjust shims if necessary. Springer pop has an air gap write up on his page (in my sig).

As far as the blend door issue, I haven't really researched that but there are a couple threads on it. Could be stick open I gues.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 09:42 PM
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When the blend door isn't working it usually is a vacuum leak. I have also heard instances where debris has gotten in the air inlet and jammed the door. One guys had a walmart bag in there.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 10:07 PM
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If the A/C is not staying engaged, it could be the A/C clutch. Free and easy to check.

 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 11:04 PM
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Clutch gap was corrected a while ago (when I put a new clutch in), currently at .016 inch.
Removed the heater core panel under the dash and verified that the operation of the blend door is good. Checked for debris ... none found outside the ducting or blacking intakes, hopefully there is none inside the ducting.
There is mediocre air flow in this truck. I'm beginning to think either ducting fell apart under the dash or the A/C core might be partially plugged.
Will check ducting tomorrow if I can get the time.
Checking the A/C core will be difficult, since it is close to the exhaust and I don't want to be burned.
I never let this truck cool down enough to get close to the exhaust.

As an aside, since I cleaned the radiator and intercooler, the engine is running 30 or more degrees cooler than before. That has to help.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2013 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by jeffreyt
Just went through this on a friend's dually. His compressor was on and off and on and off. It was the connector at the pressure sensor. I'd check that, and then also measure the air gap and adjust shims if necessary. Springer pop has an air gap write up on his page (in my sig).

As far as the blend door issue, I haven't really researched that but there are a couple threads on it. Could be stick open I gues.
Where is the pressure sensor?
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 07:00 AM
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There is a couple wires near the compressor that clip into the oil dipstick tube. One is the flat connector in the compressor, the other us just to the left (if looking from the front) on the high pressure side of the AC system.

That sensor is shaped a lot like the ICP.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 07:53 AM
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it could also jut not have enough freon in it.
the proper way to charge a system is to evacuate it with a vacuum pump and then put the proper charge in, usually around 3 lbs.


what is the low pressure reading?
what is the high pressure reading?
without those numbers, you are just making wild guesses about what is wrong
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
it could also jut not have enough freon in it.
the proper way to charge a system is to evacuate it with a vacuum pump and then put the proper charge in, usually around 3 lbs.


what is the low pressure reading?
what is the high pressure reading?
without those numbers, you are just making wild guesses about what is wrong
Had the system taken care of at an auto shop on Friday. Everything I have posted is since then. The system was 8oz low, and was topped off. The mechanic is going to take a look at it on Thursday.

Will let everyone know the outcome.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 07:27 PM
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There is nothing else that really controls air flow velocity other than the fan. If air is only blowing out of the selected mode (defrost, vents, floor,) than it just about has to be something in there if the flow velocity is low. When u said u checked the insides, did you remove the blower mtr and look inside where the evaporator is, usually dirt but once i found a plastic bag. That is usually the cause of air flow issues. Is the big line going into the air box getting cold? If so, then low air flow will cause the a/c to cycle more often.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2013 | 07:48 PM
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I did pull the blower. A little dirty, but seemed okay. I may pull the condenser cover later (probably after the trip). Going to wait and see what the mechanic says on Thursday.
 
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