Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

[CN Spots]

'92 Chevy 1500 V6 auto.

Ever since I had the system converted to the new stuff my compressor sounds like a woodpecker on a hollow log when it comes on. This was over a year ago. A few days ago my air (which was just at 39 degrees) started getting warm but not as much as if I turned of the AC, also the knocking got a little quieter. The next morning, it was fine... for about 15 minutes, then it started again. I've got plenty of refrigerant (sez the gauge). Clutch failure? Compressor failure? Please hep! it's hot!

spots

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

Are you sure that they did a complete evac and charged the system with the right oil charge. Also, in very high humidity areas they will freeze up if ran at too high of a setting. Try turning it down a notch!

 

[2broke4this]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

To echo LubeDude, your system will not last long if the mixture of coolant and oil isn't correct. It sounds like you don't have any oil in there! If it has been making more noise since it was converted, I'd bet they skipped that part...and now something important has paid the price.... That's just a shot in the dark, going on what you've told us.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

You're probably right about the oil, although they said they did it. I suspected the freezing up thing cuz it's 105 today with 93% humidity but it won't work at all now. It's looking more and more like I'm now in the market for a new compressor.

Oh well, I got 184,000 miles out of this one. Can't ask for much more out of 'er.

thanks.
spots

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

Is the compressor clutch engaging?

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

At the moment, no.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

Did thay replace the ac filter.I bet its pluged.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

Did thay replace the ac filter.I bet its pluged.

Not sure. Didn't know it had one. Where is it located?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

If the compressor is not engaging, you need to figure out why. Bypass the low pressure switch switch and see if you can get your compressor engaged.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

The switch Bruce is referring to is located on the pass side by the firewall. It'll be a round screwin type with a plug w/ 2 wires. Short across the 2 wires while the truck is running and see if the clutch engages.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

CN its in the low psi line in the condenser on your truck.The system will have to be drained to get to it.It is common on those trucks for the filter to plug up after repairs.After the system has been drained unscrew the larger fitting on the condenser on the passenger side just in front of the rad.Then look down the condense tube and you will see it. Note it cant be cleaned it has to be replaced.
hope this helps

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

If the compressor is not engaging, you need to figure out why. Bypass the low pressure switch switch and see if you can get your compressor engaged.

Grabbed the wire to remove the plug and the clutch engaged. Had a short a few inches down the wire. It's working again...for now. Thanks!

spots

 

[2broke4this]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

That's great! Is it still making a lot of noise? If so, I'd keep my eyes open for a good deal on a compressor... just a thought! I'm glad it's working again! It's too freaking hot outside!

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Ironic that my AC quits on the hottest day of the year.

That's great! Is it still making a lot of noise? If so, I'd keep my eyes open for a good deal on a compressor... just a thought! I'm glad it's working again! It's too freaking hot outside!

Yeah, it still sounds like a woodpecker's in there but if he is, he's cold!