A/C Fully charged and still not that cold

[DMC3165]

Here's a good one. My A/c hasn't been blowing all that cold since i first put 3165 back on the road 2 years ago. I had the system evacuated and refilled with R-12 along with a new low pressure switch. From then on it worked but not that great. Thinking it may not have been charged all the way I had Rob Grady check the pressures the other day and they were spot on. He said i May have to evacuate and clean out the system because there may be dirt or something in there. I was wondering if anyone else had any other suggestions? Years ago the A/C would blow so cold in there you could hang meat! Now it's just barely enough to take the edge off....with a full charge!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[dmc6960]

Check that your cooling fans are both working properly, and that the fins on the condenser and radiator aren't totally blocked. Also try cleaning out the evaporator from crud, remove the blower motor and resistors and reach in with a skinny arm or a rigged up shop vac extension. Just be extremely careful not to bend the fins on the evaporator. Finally make sure the compressor clutch isn't slipping.

It's possible the orifice tube could be plugged up, but I would think that would show up when checking the pressures. It could be though you have a low charge and a plugged orifice.

[Jacko]

Here's a good one. My A/c hasn't been blowing all that cold since i first put 3165 back on the road 2 years ago. I had the system evacuated and refilled with R-12 along with a new low pressure switch. From then on it worked but not that great. Thinking it may not have been charged all the way I had Rob Grady check the pressures the other day and they were spot on. He said i May have to evacuate and clean out the system because there may be dirt or something in there. I was wondering if anyone else had any other suggestions? Years ago the A/C would blow so cold in there you could hang meat! Now it's just barely enough to take the edge off....with a full charge!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.4915 has the exact same symptoms you describe. I think it may be orifice tube related. She's at DPI in Ohio for a major refurb (:Headspin:Spec II Engine ... YES! :Headspin:). I'm anxious to hear what Josh will find wrong with the AC. I will report his findings here.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Do you get a puddle of water under the car when the AC is running on normal? If not, your drain is plugged and that will reduce cooling. I never got good AC cooling until I installed the "Bill" AC drain fix.

[ccurzio]

I never got good AC cooling until I installed the "Bill" AC drain fix.

Can you elaborate a little on what this is?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Can you elaborate a little on what this is?

Bill used an ignition coil cap to replace the old bent hose. I used a right angle cap, ran an new hose to a hole drilled in the floor and it drains out the bottom. I have some photos on my home computer I can post later.

[ccurzio]

Please do. My AC is okay, but it doesn't blow as cold as I'd like so any help I can give it is most welcome.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Please do. My AC is okay, but it doesn't blow as cold as I'd like so any help I can give it is most welcome.

Here they are.

[DMC3165]

Do you get a puddle of water under the car when the AC is running on normal? If not, your drain is plugged and that will reduce cooling. I never got good AC cooling until I installed the "Bill" AC drain fix.

Funny you should mention this. I have noticed the water is not draining out all that well. Sometimes almost a day later after not using the car it will still be slowly dripping water from the A/C drain tube. I.guess it must have a clog somewhere?

[DMC3165]

What is this vacuum line for and where does it go. It doesn't seem to hook up to anything obvious in this area.


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[DMC5180]

Possibly the hose to the Vacuum actuator for the MAX A/C air recirculation door. Does it hiss when Max A/C is selected?


I just confirmed this. It attaches to the tiny tube that sticks out of the door assembly.

It just means you weren't getting MAX A/C and if the Vacuum circuit is open, you probably weren't closing the Heater valve either. The only time it is closed (VAC applied) is when MAX A/C is selected.

[DMC3165]

Possibly the hose to the Vacuum actuator for the MAX A/C air recirculation door. Does it hiss when Max A/C is selected?


I just confirmed this. It attaches to the tiny tube that sticks out of the door assembly.

It just means you weren't getting MAX A/C and if the Vacuum circuit is open, you probably weren't closing the Heater valve either. The only time it is closed (VAC applied) is when MAX A/C is selected.

Yup that was it. Just found it thanks!!

[David T]

There are a lot of little things that make a difference. If the ducts inside the doors are leaking you lose a LOT of air inside the doors. If the boot is not on correctly on the center vents you can lose a LOT of air under the dash. If the actuators are not working right (the mode switch hisses) you don't get the proper air flow out the vents. If your fan is running in the wrong direction you will feel *some* air but you will not move enough. There is a big hole under the driver's dash that is filled with foam where the wiring harness goes through. If the foam is disintegrated you get a LOT of heat coming in there. On to the A/C. If there is too much oil or any air in the system you can lose a lot of capacity. The pressures will look good but you won't get enough cooling.
David Teitelbaum

[DMC3165]

I also found the large tube on the side of the blower motor was not connected. What is this for?

[Bitsyncmaster]

I also found the large tube on the side of the blower motor was not connected. What is this for?


That's just to keep the blower motor cooler.