I just had a guy work on my A/C. He installed a new drier and expansion valve, cleaned out the system, added new oil and 134a. I works pretty good when I'm moving fast, but when I am slow or standing still it s-u-x. The guy who worked on the system said everything looked and operated well (good compressor, everything evens out in pressure quickly). Of course the Texas heat and humidity puts a strain on it, but is there anything else I can do? My Dad suggested that maybe an electric fan on the A/C radiator might help. If everything is good and operating correctly, what else can I do to make it colder? Help! I'm melllllllting!

 

a fan would be a good idea.
My truck still has gold in it(R12) but it will turn you to snow, on low, but in town driveing i have to turn it up to keep cool!
this might help allso
H-Vac clean out!!

http://ramchargercentral.com/index....howtoshow;id=45

 

I've seen somewhere they make a variable orfice valve for the expansion valve that's supposed to help alot. Also, if too much oil has been added (if they didn't get all the old oil out) it becomes less efficient. You might also try cleaning the evaporator. Otherwise, compresser could be on the way out.

 

Perhpas the idle speed is a bit low? If the fan clutch is weak your head pressure will climb pretty quick in the compressor. If you slap the gauges on you can see it pretty easy, you can then use a standard box fan or hose directly in front of the grill and if it drops alot of pressure your fan is bad.

 

Might want to ck the suitcase for gunk as flashgordon suggested, also on mine i found the condensor literally clogged with bugs/dirt/road grime from 14 yrs of use, a good cleaning went a long way with helping me out.

 

I cleaned out the "suitcase" (?). It was full of P-O-O-P. It was also wet on the bottom. I couldn't locate the drain on the bottom - I need to look for it and clean it out too. Will cleaning this out really help the temp? I could see how the air-flow was restricted.

As far as the Idle speed. Will that really affect the A/C? I think mine idles at about 500-600 rpm. What should it be at? Where can I find a thread on adjusting it? (I don't think I've ever done that before)

Thanks

 

That idle is way too low. It should be 750 w/the compressor running. Wanna says he likes 850, I put mine at 800.

Low idle adjust is the horizontal threaded rod in back of the IP. Just stops the throttle down wherever you want it. Dang hard to get the nuts loose, though...

 

I went with Wanndiesel's 850 w/compressor on. Between the clean-out and the idle fix, it seems to be a LOT colder. I will give it the in-traffic test tomorrow. Thanks for the help -

 

Hate to hijack but it is a realated question.

My high pressure pop valve starts squeeling if I let my ac run more than a couple of minutes with the truck not moving. Supose this means I get to buy a expensive clutch for the fan since it freewheels with just the AC on. I have had it kick in when the engine warms up on hard uphill puls though. Any good sources.

 

Well everyone gave sound advice such as cleaning and checking the fan. But its very hard to diagnoze a system with no pressure readings. If you can include those it be simple to help you. Cleaning is always a great idea but if you cleaned it after it was charged, even a small amount of dirt or any kind of restriction on the coil or condenser will alter your readings, enough it may not work at its best. 134A is more sensitive to this than R12 is, by the way theres a drop in replacement for R12 its called freeze 12, i use it and it works great.

 

Oh i forgot andyr they have our clutches at autozone or O'Riely, they are hayden so quality is good. If i'm not mistaken it was 60 bucks.

 

Can give it a try. Have gotten 4seasons brands at carquest and they were worthless.

Where can you find the freeze12?

 

I get it at henleys auto, i think its advanced auto.