AC concern

[elwesso]

I was just thinking the other day when i fired up the AC for the first time, it doesnt seem as cold as most other cars ive been in (like GM). Noticeable, but it still chills the air good...

I know I probably need a full vacuum and recharge, but not enough money for that yet.....

I was wondering if its possible to clean the HVAC system out, meaning like the cooling intake unit, as maybe some crap is on the evaporator blocking airflow... plus, its free stuff!!

Has anyone done this, or am I gonna be a pioneer?? Either doesnt bother me, but Id kinda like to konw what to do.....

[911/Q45]

There's several ways to clean the condensor. Easiest is to squirt a hose from the engine side to blow all the bugs out the front. More effective is to remove the radiator and remove the junk between condensor and radiator, then squirt the hose toward the front. Best is to do the first two, then remove the plastic cover over the front of the condensor and brush and squirt until it's all squeaky clean. Price is right, but the chances of it making a measurable difference are slim.

[elwesso]

I was taling about the EVAPORATOR, the thing that transferrs the cooling from the system to the compartment

I keep the CONDENSOR clean, rinsing every time i wash...

[Touchdown038]

I doubt it's stuff on the evaporator, as it sits behind the firewall.

With most AC work like this, especially with R12, I would just take it to a shop and see what they say about it. Advice is free.

[elwesso]

Thats true... BUt IM saying somehow leaves and stuff gets in there and blocks the evaporator...

Unlike the 96 and later models, there is not internal cabin filter.. Someone replaced his on a Y33, and it was amazing how much random crap was down there..

[rsiwicki]

I am having the same issue....my AC is cold but not like it should be and I was thinking about taking it to an AC shop other than the dealer to get it recharged or whatever it needs.

I have no idea about AC systems so any help is appreciated.

I know that there is something like a "top" & "bottom" line where each line has different pressures? Is this pressure generally the same for all types of cars or specific to the Q?

Also how much does it usually cost to recharge a system?

Is there anything specific I should ask an AC shop before I let them work on my Q's AC system?

I think that I probably have a small leak somewhere as the change in the last year has been very gradual and my car still blows cold air but this is Miami and summer is fast approaching, so instead of fixing the leak, can I just have the system recharged until the leak gets worse if the recharge will last me about a year?

[maxnix]

Both of my 1995 AC work very well. Time to evacuate and purge refrigerant and lubrication per Q45tech's specifications. Getting to the evaporator coils on a G50 makes the plenum job look as easy as changing the air filter. After changing my wife's FY33 cabin filter, I do wish I could retrofit one to the G50.

[Q45tech]

Taking the evaporator out to clean means at least 5- 6 hours, after you vacuum the R-xxx down and recharge [takes an hour to do it right]. Every time you open system you MUST replace the receiver dryer [$80].

Pretty much why replacing a leaking one [evap] is $1,000.

We are buying R12 for about $700 per 30lbs........retail at $35/lb so $100 per total recharge if empty. If working has some R12.....normally loses 5-10% per year thru hoses.

[Q45tech]

Yes it's time for people to start thinking about those $1,000-$2,000 AC repairs.

On lowest speed recirculate should be 37-40F after 15 minutes at 60 mph......assuming the dash interior is not heat soaked. Otherwise 47-50F center outlet.

24,000BTU per hour can only remove so much in 15 minutes.

[elwesso]

If its 48ish then Im about right, for heat soak.

I may have a recharge done. I got a quote for $100ish for a complete vacuum, leak test, and recharge with refrig and oil.

Can I use any old thermometer to test.

I have a feeling that Id be best off getting my windows tinted, because I see thats the main problem. Maybe the old Q doesnt have as good of UV ray blocking as new cars...?

[rsiwicki]

$100 bucks sounds like a good deal. I am going to go around tomorrow and find a shop to do the same for me....

[qship96]

If its 48ish then Im about right, for heat soak.

I have a feeling that Id be best off getting my windows tinted, because I see thats the main problem. Maybe the old Q doesnt have as good of UV ray blocking as new cars...?

UV rays cause deterioration of the vinyl,leather,and carpeting,Infrared {IR} rays contribute to the heat gain from the sun.all tint blocks about 99% of the UV rays,what you want to look for is the infrared blocking percentage of the tint to keep the interior cooler. I had Formula One all metal tint installed almost 2 years ago,has made a huge difference in the comfort during summer,while protecting the interior from sun damage.whatever tint you get,insist on all-metal,the dyed dark tint will turn purple over time and does not keep the car as cool as an all metal tint.I got 50% tint,does not look dark,yet blocks 42% of the suns energy.do a search for Formula One tint dealers in your area,you will love it!

[elwesso]

Ok... I wll look into that.. I still have yet to get my windows tinted, so ill leave that into consideration

Could you post some pictures????

[redmanfx]

I am having the same issue....my AC is cold but not like it should be and I was thinking about taking it to an AC shop other than the dealer to get it recharged or whatever it needs.

I have no idea about AC systems so any help is appreciated.

I know that there is something like a "top" & "bottom" line where each line has different pressures? Is this pressure generally the same for all types of cars or specific to the Q?

Also how much does it usually cost to recharge a system?

My top end pressure is 255 and the low end is 55. I have been told that is ok, but I have never found what it should be for optimal performance. Dealer didn't even know. I had a ton of fun working on the AC and found my AC clutch fly wheel is white with heat damage. The system was recharged and did not work. I simply ran it on ECON for a while and it fixed itself. I had the same problem with the air blowing at outside temp and now it works ok. I'm still going to an AC shop because I still think it is a little off.

I have a friend who can recharge mine so its free, but neither of of us are AC experts.

red

[rsiwicki]

that is what i am worried about...the top versus bottom line pressure as I have heard from experience with AC problems before that you need to get the pressure right for everything to work properly otherwise...you can just freeze up and burn out the system or something like that.....so I don't want to pay dealer prices again...yet I don't want some average Joe thinking that they can put just any pressure they feel is right into the system.

[Q45tech]

Your FSM explains it all.........220psi/28psi is normal at speed depends on ambient temperature.

[rsiwicki]

Well I think the dealer is lying to me.....maybe.

I had the AC checked out today by an independent shop....pressure was 220/34 and cold air blowing at 52 degrees on a hot day here in Miami today.

The dealer had told me that the AC was not a cool as it should be and that the pressue was low. Well I don't know how the heck the pressure could go from low back to normal again. I had been thinking that the AC was not working right after they told me in January that the AC needed work as I was getting my brakes done. The AC shop did not charge me for anything to test it out so I gave the mechanic a $10 tip for his honesty becuase he could have told me anything and I would have believed him since the dealer told me that the pressure was low and it needed more juice to make it cold.