Any A/C experts?

[Silverbullet]

Is there anyone out there that understands A/C systems?



I'm having some issues that I just cant track down on my system. Tonight, 45deg out running def/floor, compressor was kicking on and off every 5 sec. In hot weather the cooling was marginal, but if left ideling would go warm after just a couple of minutes. I've discovered a leak somewhare on the compressor, but have yet to pin point it. When the issues arose in the early spring we found medal shavings in the screen on the low press line.



I guess I'm asking if my compressor is on its way out, or could something in the line be cloged causing the compressor to be overworked? I just dont know where to begin.



TIA

 

[BDaugherty]

Sounds to me like either low charge, restricted orifice, or both. There's only one moving part in an A/C system. You shavings came from the compressor. I would look into replacing it along with the orifice and accumulator. You will need to flush the system fully.

 

[Motorhead]

The cycling of the compresor is from a low charge. The metal isn't especially good. Seems like alot of guys are having trouble with these A/C systems. Doesn't give me much to look forward to!

 

[Silverbullet]

Thanks BD. I believe it was the orifice that we checked that I refered to as the 'screen'. And the accumulator would be the canister thing that leaks the removed water from the system?



I have no doubt that the system is low on charge as I do have a leak. Even though I had poor cooling even right after re-charge. It would not supprise me if the compressor needs replacing as it just 'seems' like that may be the weak point in the system.

 

[Silverbullet]

One other question: Will flushing the system remove any cloggs that may be in there? Or will we be able to tell if the system was clogged?



Guess that was two.

 

[LRutigliano]

Is there anyone out there that understands A/C systems?



I'm having some issues that I just cant track down on my system. Tonight, 45deg out running def/floor, compressor was kicking on and off every 5 sec. In hot weather the cooling was marginal, but if left ideling would go warm after just a couple of minutes. I've discovered a leak somewhare on the compressor, but have yet to pin point it. When the issues arose in the early spring we found medal shavings in the screen on the low press line.



I guess I'm asking if my compressor is on its way out, or could something in the line be cloged causing the compressor to be overworked? I just dont know where to begin.



TIA

The screen you are referring to is the orifice and filter and its on the high side, not the low side. Some metal shavings on the filter screen are not uncommon as the all of the AC components, especially the AC lines will have some amount of debris left in them due to the manufacturing processes and they are extremely difficult get 100% clean internally.



If you saw metal shavings on the screen, that means you had the system apart. Did you recharge to the proper 22oz of R-134a and did you add some SP15 or SP20 PAG oil (approx 2oz) to ensure the compressor has adequate lube?



If the compressor is cycling excessively (like every few seconds), that could mean low charge. If your high side liquid line that goes into the firewall is coated with frost, then you definately are low on charge.



The compressor has a marginal front shaft seal and that is most likely where you are leaking. Its hard to pinpoint even with an electronic leak detector because the clutch is in the way.



Recharge the system with R-134a and make sure to add some oil too (the oil is sold in 2 oz charges that you add into the low side charge port, just like the refrigerant). Go to Welcome to InterDynamics to find the oil. Its available at some auto parts stores like Schucks.



Your compressor is probably fine and you are just low on refrigerant. Also, in the winter time, the AC system (compressor clutch) wont engage below 40F ambients.



I know most AC techs frown on the "stop leak" cans they sell at the auto parts store, but my AC system kept leaking down slowly and I kept recharging and adding oil and I even added some dye, but couldn't find the leak. I finally added the "stop leak" stuff and haven't had the issue for the past two summers.



Hope this helps,

Louis

 

[steved]

Your compressor is probably fine and you are just low on refrigerant. Also, in the winter time, the AC system (compressor clutch) wont engage below 40F ambients.

This is to "dry" the air as its forced to the windshield... aids in defogging.



This was an old time trick before they made it part of the defrost switch... turn the AC on with the defrosters to defog the windows in a hurry.