AC Performance

[Tonyrodz]

The never ending saga of the Hoe. Not sure if this is the right forum: Just had a new compressor installed--I'm not sure if he replaced the filter or not--pulled a good vacuum, filled with oil and proper lbs of 134a. Blew cold for a few weeks, now it's been lukewarm. I've done the hvac reset 2-3 times with no luck. Idling or sitting at a light it gets really warm. Driving it gets cool--ish, never cold tho. Compressor stays on, no problems there, just blows warm. The metal ac line that should be really cold is only cool--ish too, never cold. Doesn't appear to have any leaks. Anyone have any ideas what to do, or what it might be? Thx for any input.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

The never ending saga of the Hoe. Not sure if this is the right forum: Just had a new compressor installed--I'm not sure if he replaced the filter or not--pulled a good vacuum, filled with oil and proper lbs of 134a. Blew cold for a few weeks, now it's been lukewarm. I've done the hvac reset 2-3 times with no luck. Idling or sitting at a light it gets really warm. Driving it gets cool--ish, never cold tho. Compressor stays on, no problems there, just blows warm. The metal ac line that should be really cold is only cool--ish too, never cold. Doesn't appear to have any leaks. Anyone have any ideas what to do, or what it might be? Thx for any input.

Start with blowing out/ cleaning all the fins on the condensor. Just like you would on the AC outside your house. If it's not leaking and the charge is right, it sounds like it can't export heat properly.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Start with blowing out/ cleaning all the fins on the condensor. Just like you would on the AC outside your house. If it's not leaking and the charge is right, it sounds like it can't export heat properly.

I'll give it a shot. Can't hurt.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I'll give it a shot. Can't hurt.

Rule #1 is that there's no such thing as making cold. Only removing heat. The heat needs somewhere to go and a means to get there. On your AC, that's through the condensing coil/fins into the air.

The fact that it gets colder when you're driving points at an air flow problem in my experience. Especially with other new components and a new charge. I see it on my equipment in dirty shops all the time. The condensor gets caked in grime or dust that acts as an insulator and keeps the heat in the coil.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Also got to thinking.... are you sure your fans are working right?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

A long shot..... Is the AC tensioner pulley working correctly, i.e. correct and full spring tension on the belt to keep the compressor turning at the full rpm created by the engine's rpm?

 

[Tonyrodz]

A long shot..... Is the AC tensioner pulley working correctly, i.e. correct and full spring tension on the belt to keep the compressor turning at the full rpm created by the engine's rpm?

Pretty sure, looks guttentight.

Also got to thinking.... are you sure your fans are working right?

Still has a clutch fan. Motor never runs hot either.

 

[live2pull]

Subscribed to this. My compressor is on its way out, but I exhibit symptoms almost identical to this also. My air becomes very comfortable once the truck is moving. Have not had a chance to clean the condenser. Tony, please keep updated with results. I also have a clutched fan.

 

[SnowDrifter]

My compressor is a wee bit worn. Runs full bore at idle and blows meh. Raise the idle to 1500rpm and it's nice and chilly. Might be worth a shot diagnostically

 

[Tonyrodz]

Subscribed to this. My compressor is on its way out, but I exhibit symptoms almost identical to this also. My air becomes very comfortable once the truck is moving. Have not had a chance to clean the condenser. Tony, please keep updated with results. I also have a clutched fan.

Absolutely.

 

[corvette744]

My problem sounded the same and i replaced my clutch fan and solved the problem.Go see if your fan spins freely when its been off and cold.

 

[Tonyrodz]

My problem sounded the same and i replaced my clutch fan and solved the problem.Go see if your fan spins freely when its been off and cold.

I just checked it. It does. Truck never runs hot tho, wouldn't it run hot if it was bad?

 

[live2pull]

I just checked it. It does. Truck never runs hot tho, wouldn't it run hot if it was bad?

Yes, one would think. When the clutch starts spinning faster with engine speed, and engine tempurature. If your engine temps are normal, and not seeing an increased temp at idle, I suspect it is fine. It should also freely spin when the engine is cool to allow engine temp to increase more rapidly.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Yes, one would think. When the clutch starts spinning faster with engine speed, and engine tempurature. If your engine temps are normal, and not seeing an increased temp at idle, I suspect it is fine. It should also freely spin when the engine is cool to allow engine temp to increase more rapidly.

It spins freely, so I guess that isn't my issue. I almost wish it was so I could just fix it and have cold air again.

 

[live2pull]

It spins freely, so I guess that isn't my issue. I almost wish it was so I could just fix it and have cold air again.

If only it were that easy.

 

[corvette744]

My clutch fan spun easily and was told it should not do that-should have alot of resistance when off and cold.I would get a second opinion on that bet thats it.I was also told to get the oem gm brand as most aftermarket ones are junk.My tahoe did not run hot or overheat either.

 

[David Kriss]

When you clean your condenser, get a can of condenser cleaner from Home Depot, Lowes or similar place. It's a spray can and can be found in the HVAC department for less than $10. You spray it on the condenser, let it sit then hose it off. It does a much better job of cleaning than just using a hose. I cleaned both my cars last spring and I noticed an improvement on both cars. Neither had been cleaned in years.

 

[Doubeleive]

the clutch fan should not just spin freely it should spin a little and brake, the hotter it is the less it should spin free, even if it is cold and you give it a spin it shouldn't just go and go like it was on a ball bearing.

 

[Tonyrodz]

the clutch fan should not just spin freely it should spin a little and brake, the hotter it is the less it should spin free, even if it is cold and you give it a spin it shouldn't just go and go like it was on a ball bearing.

No, it wasn't free spinning like that, there was some resistance to it.

 

[live2pull]

Freely spin may have been a poor choice of words, light resistance may have been better. At any rate, the fan clutch is designed to spin the fan at lower speed when the engine is cool and faster when it is at operating temp, and with engine speed. I also agree with using the condenser cleaner from Home Depot/Lowes/Ace.