a/c not always cold
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Krum, TX
a/c not always cold
I have a 03 F250 SD PSD, 95k miles. Last week my A/C started acting up. It will blow real cold and all of a sudden it will be less cold, not hot or anything just cool, not cold. There seems to be no pattern to when it will do it, except that it is a little more frequent in the heat of the day. Any ideas on the cause?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
Random AC operation is often caused by the compressor clutch gap being too wide. Heat will make it worse. Check the gap, you want .020 or less. A business card makes a good go\no-go gauge.
If the gap is too wide, there are shims on the compressor shaft that can be changed or removed to correct it.
If the gap is too wide, there are shims on the compressor shaft that can be changed or removed to correct it.
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Freshman User
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From: Krum, TX
Thanks I put gauges on it this weekend, added a little coolant, I am getting a good pressure diff, so I would assume the compressor is working fine. it seems to cool real good zooming down the highway but not so good at a stop.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
Originally Posted by goatsniffer
Thanks I put gauges on it this weekend, added a little coolant, I am getting a good pressure diff, so I would assume the compressor is working fine. it seems to cool real good zooming down the highway but not so good at a stop.
What were the actual pressure readings? I'll bet the high side was 250 or higher.
With the truck idling hot, mist some water over the condenser. If the high side pressure plummets, the fan clutch is toast. It will usually start cooling better while you're misting the water.
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From: Krum, TX
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
Originally Posted by goatsniffer
Yeah the high side was about 300.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kansas
Originally Posted by lsrx101
Your fan clutch is dead. Stay away from the aftermarket clutches in the parts stores for this vehicle, get a new Motorcraft clutch from the dealer.
