AC Compressor / Clutch Question

[sapphirexae]

Hi there everyone. This is my first post but I've owned DeLoreans (multiple) for about fourteen years now. Anyway, onto my question. I am ready to replace the AC hoses (all three) and charge the system. DMC diagnosed a leak sometime ago and we are now motivated to get it up and running. Upon visual inspection, I see that the compressor / clutch runs constantly while at idle but when the accelerator is depressed, it clicks on intermittently. Is this normal or not? I've searched n' searched but have found nothing addressing this. Thank you all so much.

[Rich]

Depends on how frequently it cycles. If it cycles rapidly then it could be low on refrigerant. If it cycles infrequently when above idle then it could be normal behavior.

For general troubleshooting purposes be aware that the D runs a cycling clutch orifice tube A/C system similar to that used on GM cars of that era.

Note that term 'cycling clutch'.

[Ron]

Check out N:01:09 in the manual. Just be sure to take readings when the clutch cycles out.

[sapphirexae]

It cycles quickly. It will run for a several seconds, turn off for 1-2 seconds, runs for several seconds, turns off for 1-2 seconds and so on. I'm certain there is no refrigerant in there due to the leak.

[Rich]

As you probably have figured out then, this is normal. Not normal as in "working" but normal as in "not abnormal for a system low on refrigerant".

Recharge with refrigerant and it may work fine - until enough of it leaks out.

So you can recharge and try to keep up with the leak or get the leak(s) remedied and then evacuate/recharge. Sounds like you are headed in the fix-leak direction.

[David T]

If the system had no refrigerant the compressor would not come on at all. If it is just a little low it would cycle a lot more than it should. The cycle time is dependent on the amount of refrigerant, the speed of the motor and the ambient temperature. If you are replacing the hoses it doesn't matter as long as the system is still working at all. If it works at all it means there is still more than enough pressure to keep out the atmosphere and the moisture. That means the system is not contaminated and should be nice and clean inside.

[sapphirexae]

Excellent, thank you all. That is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Now I have some lines to replace!