AC dragging engine down

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Apr 12, 2002 | 08:33 AM

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AC dragging engine down

I have an 88 Eddie Bower with around 92K miles. Whenever I turn on my AC (defrost, etc.) my RPMs drop significantly and it sounds like the engine of my truck is really getting worked hard. This happens whether I am driving or just idling in park. Also, there is a small clicking noise coming from the AC motor. Is this typical or should I replace my blower motor??

Thanks for the help

Apr 12, 2002 | 09:03 PM

Bob_VT

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AC dragging engine down

Check the charge in the system. You might be over or undercharged. If it was converted to the "over the counter" and not done properly your system may be in distress. Check the air conditioning cooling radiator...is it clogged with bugs and road crap?

It is natural for the AC to put a load on the motor.

Bob

Apr 15, 2002 | 02:20 PM

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AC dragging engine down

I appreciate the help. Sorry to show my ignorance, but how do I check the charge? I don't guess I would worry quite as much about the draw that the AC seems to be taking except I am just afraid of the AC motor locking up since it shares a belt with so many other things.

Bobby

Apr 15, 2002 | 02:35 PM

Bull

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From: Denver USA

AC dragging engine down

The clicking nose from the AC compressor is the clutch engaging and is normal. While your AC is on, it should click on and off depending on the temp settings.

Apr 15, 2002 | 03:40 PM

adelyser

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AC dragging engine down

If you A/C is kicking on, then you at least have a decent charge. If your charge drops below a certain point, the A/C won't even kick in. You could have some binding in the compressor. Is the clutch pack getting hot at all? If so, then you may need oil, or a new compressor soon as it could be binding or a bearing could be going out. There could also be a blocakge in the system making the compressor work more than usual. The A/C in my Bronco never made the engine work really hard, even when we took a trip to Florida. It would kick on, and you wouldn't even notice it. One day, the compressor froze and it hasn't been the same since.

Just FYI, if you need a recharge, or a new compressor or part, now would be the time to change over to R134 if your vehicle hasn't yet. With the price of R12, the change over and recharge is usually about the same price of an R12 recharge.