AC Not Cold At Idle
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Give me coffee - Or beer!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 746
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From: Who cares?
AC Not Cold At Idle
It may not be the right forum, but I didn't see an AC forum and the problem is with my F-350.
The AC is cold while running down the road (maybe not cold enough) but at idle it isn't cold at all, in fact it may even be somewhat hot. I got a can of juice for it with a gauge. When I hooked it up to the system (low pressure side - which is the only place it fits) the needle jumped into the red zone. I don't have proper gauges.
How about some brain storming to give me an idea of what to do next to fix it. I don't want a shop. I can't afford the $6000 for a whole new system.
The AC is cold while running down the road (maybe not cold enough) but at idle it isn't cold at all, in fact it may even be somewhat hot. I got a can of juice for it with a gauge. When I hooked it up to the system (low pressure side - which is the only place it fits) the needle jumped into the red zone. I don't have proper gauges.
How about some brain storming to give me an idea of what to do next to fix it. I don't want a shop. I can't afford the $6000 for a whole new system.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 7
From: Garland, Tx
I too suffer from the same thing. I feel it has to do with the fan clutch going out or weak. No air flow thru the condiser, no cold air. You may have some buddys that have late model dodge trucks that are notorious for their failed condinser fan that say the same thing.
Thread Starter
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Give me coffee - Or beer!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 746
Likes: 7
From: Who cares?
I didn't think of the clutch because it made no noise so I thought it was working. It was turning so I over looked it. It's electrical so it shouldn't matter. But maybe if it was weak it is just barely getting spun at higher RPMs. Any clarification on that?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 861
Likes: 7
From: AZ
The gap on the A/C clutch could be too large because of surface wear.
Was the engine running with a/c on high when gauge pegged high. If so then I would say the compressor wasn't turning/pumping like it should.
Was the engine running with a/c on high when gauge pegged high. If so then I would say the compressor wasn't turning/pumping like it should.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
The compressor clutch is something to look at and make sure it is engaging. Also do you have a bypass valve in your heater core lines? These trucks are notorious for the hot water in the heater core causing the air to not be as cold as it should. Once I installed the bypass valve in the water lines, it made a HUGE difference.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,072
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From: Dustbowl, NV
Chipworkz is exactly right- that's why Excursions (and almost every other vehicle I've seen) come with a bypass valve. Check it out- http://www.dieselsite.com/maxacassis...373l.aspx:-X22
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,351
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
A lot of people have had good luck with the dieselsite version, I have not. We shot emails back and forth for a while and they suggested that I either have a vacuum leak or the vacuum pump is very weak.
The problem is that the valve does not move but a 1/4" or so when I select max A/C via the ****. My vents all work properly, ESOF works properly and the vacuum pump does not run any more than others during a cold start situation.
I went with dieselsite because I have had great service from them in regards to parts in the past. I still plan to purchase from dieselsite in the future, but would not recommend their version of the bypass valve.
If I were you, I would look into the Ford version of the bypass valve.
Just my .02...
The problem is that the valve does not move but a 1/4" or so when I select max A/C via the ****. My vents all work properly, ESOF works properly and the vacuum pump does not run any more than others during a cold start situation.
I went with dieselsite because I have had great service from them in regards to parts in the past. I still plan to purchase from dieselsite in the future, but would not recommend their version of the bypass valve.
If I were you, I would look into the Ford version of the bypass valve.
Just my .02...
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 7
From: Garland, Tx
Chipworkz is exactly right- that's why Excursions (and almost every other vehicle I've seen) come with a bypass valve. Check it out- http://www.dieselsite.com/maxacassis...373l.aspx:-X22
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 0
From: Dustbowl, NV
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,335
Likes: 588
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
I don't want a shop. I can't afford the $6000 for a whole new system.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 9,399
Likes: 188
From: Norco,CA
Try the gap on the clutch for the ac. Mine was doing this and when I took out the spacer, I only had one washer, it's worked great ever since. Check the gap when done and engaged to make sure you have .025 thousands. Then do the water line by pass and it will be better then new. That's if you have a full charge.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 7
From: Garland, Tx
Try the gap on the clutch for the ac. Mine was doing this and when I took out the spacer, I only had one washer, it's worked great ever since. Check the gap when done and engaged to make sure you have .025 thousands. Then do the water line by pass and it will be better then new. That's if you have a full charge.