A/C issues
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New User
Joined: Mar 2011
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A/C issues
I have a 2004 F250 4x4 crew cab, with a 6.0L PSD. The air conditioning has started cutting in and out, and not cooling as well as it should. I checked the refrigerant level, and it appears to be in the middle of the charged zone. I'm wondering if I have a relay that's failing, or something else going on.
Anybody have this happen, and if so, how did you fix it?
Thanks, all!
Anybody have this happen, and if so, how did you fix it?
Thanks, all!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,765
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
It is IMPOSSIBLE to accurately "top off" a refrigerant system with only a low side gauge. You're far more likely to screw it up (unless you get lucky) than you are to fix it.
There are multiple causes of the reported symptom, a low charge is usually not one of them.
There are multiple causes of the reported symptom, a low charge is usually not one of them.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
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It is IMPOSSIBLE to accurately "top off" a refrigerant system with only a low side gauge. You're far more likely to screw it up (unless you get lucky) than you are to fix it.
There are multiple causes of the reported symptom, a low charge is usually not one of them.
There are multiple causes of the reported symptom, a low charge is usually not one of them.
he said it’s in the middle of the charged zone. No reason not to charge it all the way.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,765
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
he said it’s in the middle of the charged zone. No reason not to charge it all the way.
Besides, even if the system were slightly low on charge, it wouldn't cut in and out as the OP described.
Most likely, cokeman's suggestion is the correct one - intermittent clutch operation due to an excessive clutch gap.
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Joined: Mar 2018
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I have a 2004 F250 4x4 crew cab, with a 6.0L PSD. The air conditioning has started cutting in and out, and not cooling as well as it should. I checked the refrigerant level, and it appears to be in the middle of the charged zone. I'm wondering if I have a relay that's failing, or something else going on.
Anybody have this happen, and if so, how did you fix it?
Thanks, all!
Anybody have this happen, and if so, how did you fix it?
Thanks, all!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Canada's Wet Coast
actually this sanden style compressor is used on millions of different systems including many aftermarket secondary systems. The air gap issue was common on 7.3L as it was an assemble issue where the clutch air gap was set incorrectly.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 141
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From: Canada's Wet Coast
I have a 2004 F250 4x4 crew cab, with a 6.0L PSD. The air conditioning has started cutting in and out, and not cooling as well as it should. I checked the refrigerant level, and it appears to be in the middle of the charged zone. I'm wondering if I have a relay that's failing, or something else going on.
Anybody have this happen, and if so, how did you fix it?
Thanks, all!
Anybody have this happen, and if so, how did you fix it?
Thanks, all!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,765
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
if so then yes a low or slightly low charge will cause this .....
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 141
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From: Canada's Wet Coast
I have never used DIY gauges so I am assuming he is seeing a low pressure number on the low side while compressing and the compressor is cycling rather quickly in the op's opinion...... are DIY gauges retarded at all ? That would make diagnoses pretty tough
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,804
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I suspect you are using one of those ac charge kits. If so those gauges are not accurate. I had one brought to me because the owner said the gauge showed normal. It turned out he had a rock hole in his condenser and the charge kit was totally false. It had no gas in it at all. I love those diy kits. Once they screwed up their system owners bring them to me to fix it right.