AC question
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Member
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Storrs, CT
AC question
OK, first let me start off by saying I know NOTHING about Air Conditioning systems.
Last week I noticed that my AC stopped working altogether. Just warm air. I was a little miffed because I had just had the system recharged a little over a year before. I had assumed there must've been a leak somewhere.
Yesterday, I happened to have the AC on with the hood opened and noticed the compresser was cylcling on and off about one cyle every 5 seconds. Is this normal? I had assumed it would simply lock and turn continuously? Is this the problem? Thanks.
Last week I noticed that my AC stopped working altogether. Just warm air. I was a little miffed because I had just had the system recharged a little over a year before. I had assumed there must've been a leak somewhere.
Yesterday, I happened to have the AC on with the hood opened and noticed the compresser was cylcling on and off about one cyle every 5 seconds. Is this normal? I had assumed it would simply lock and turn continuously? Is this the problem? Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 26
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From: Crystal, MN
It's supposed to cycle like that, but if it didn't have Freon in it I don't think it'll turn on at all, no pressure.
So it sounds like you have freon, maybe you're thermostat is screwey. Try running the temperature (on the HVAC controls inside) from cold all the way to hot and back real fast.
So it sounds like you have freon, maybe you're thermostat is screwey. Try running the temperature (on the HVAC controls inside) from cold all the way to hot and back real fast.
Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 326
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From: md.
If your cycling very frequently, like you mentioned, it usually means you are low on freon, and it needs to be charged. The only real way to check is to hook a set of gauges and read the pressures. Unless it is pretty darn cold outside, the compressor shouldnt cycle that quickly.
[This message has been edited by Kevin G (edited September 10, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Kevin G (edited September 10, 2000).]
Supreme Member
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Johnstown, Ohio
Car: 84 Z28
Engine: 355 (fastburn heads, LT4 HOT cam)
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt, 3.27
It sounds like your system is too low on refrigerent. When it starts compressing, the suction, or low side pressure drops, and the low pressure switch kicks out stopping the compressor clutch. This is a safety thing, because if there isn't enough refirgerent, there isn't enough oil, because the oil is carried in the refrigerent. If there is no oil, damage to the compressor will occur.
Get your system recharged, and have UV dye added to find the leak. Most shops also have leak detectors that will "snif" out a leak. If it takes about a year to get low, it must be a small leak!
------------------
Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350
using primarily GMPP parts.
Block is in shop!
Get your system recharged, and have UV dye added to find the leak. Most shops also have leak detectors that will "snif" out a leak. If it takes about a year to get low, it must be a small leak!
------------------
Working on:
'84 Z28 LG4 305
Added dual elec fans.
145 MPH IROC Speedo
Building 430 HP 350
using primarily GMPP parts.
Block is in shop!
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