AC Bad? Is this normal? Video.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 2
From: USA
AC Bad? Is this normal? Video.
The AC works, but now that I see this, i do remember that sometimes it feels like it stops getting cold.
Anyone know what this means? Needs a charge or ac going bad?
Anyone know what this means? Needs a charge or ac going bad?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 48
From: California
Looks like it's operating fine to me. But the clutch bearings sound like hell. Or the pump has some bearings that are screaming. You could try to replace the clutch, but I can't remember if you have to disconnect the AC pump to do that. When i did my AC, it was not working at all, so I replaced a lot of stuff like the pump and clutch all at once. But maybe you can change out the Clutch without discharging your AC system.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,548
Likes: 5,589
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
depends on what the outside air temp was when it was cycling. if outside temps were 50-60 degrees, i would not worry about it. if temps were 80-90 degrees, i would say you are low on refrigerant.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 7
Basically, what's happening here is that the AC system has a low-pressure cutoff switch which turns off the compressor when the low side reaches 30 PSI.
While Tom may technically be correct, add a bit of refrigerant while watching the low side pressure; get it so that it stays above 30-ish while running constantly at idle; that'll get you started. If it still isn't cold enough, do the same thing while revving the engine up to 1600. Just be aware that you might end up with it working /too/ well and freezing up the cooling coils; you'll know when this happens because you'll lose most of your airflow with the fan on max.
Mind you, if you've still got R12 in the system, be aware: R12 has mineral oil for an oil; R134A uses something different(PAG or ester oil). You are /supposed/ to flush the system fully and not mix refrigerants.
R-12 to R-134A Refrigerant Retrofit - also a useful page, if taken with a grain of salt.
Also: Flammable Refrigerants
There may be R12-compatible options you can just add, though some may be somewhat flammable, so it's something to look around for if you can't find any R12 and don't want to spend the time and money converting to R134A.
While Tom may technically be correct, add a bit of refrigerant while watching the low side pressure; get it so that it stays above 30-ish while running constantly at idle; that'll get you started. If it still isn't cold enough, do the same thing while revving the engine up to 1600. Just be aware that you might end up with it working /too/ well and freezing up the cooling coils; you'll know when this happens because you'll lose most of your airflow with the fan on max.
Mind you, if you've still got R12 in the system, be aware: R12 has mineral oil for an oil; R134A uses something different(PAG or ester oil). You are /supposed/ to flush the system fully and not mix refrigerants.
R-12 to R-134A Refrigerant Retrofit - also a useful page, if taken with a grain of salt.
Also: Flammable Refrigerants
There may be R12-compatible options you can just add, though some may be somewhat flammable, so it's something to look around for if you can't find any R12 and don't want to spend the time and money converting to R134A.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I install kits from 1-800-RADIATOR at least once per week, and have only had one come back in the last year. Get a complete kit to replace the compressor, orifice tube, and receiver/dryer, flush the condensor, evaporator and lines, and refill with PAG46 and 134a. I have the gauge kit and cheaper electric vacuum pump from Harbor Freight, they work well.
To have this kit installed in a shop would run about $800.
To have this kit installed in a shop would run about $800.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,548
Likes: 5,589
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
if it has not been looked a tin years, it may just need 1 can of refrigerant. even if it still has R-12 in it, that should not cost more than $50 at a shop, or $10-15 if you do it yourself.
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