Air Conditioning won't cool
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Roseville California
Air Conditioning won't cool
My 79 air conditioning system won't keep the inside of the car cool. I have had it checked out by several mechanics, and nothing is wrong with the mechanical part of the system. The weather here isn't extreme, either.
What can be done to the stock system to make it work better. Anything special to look for that might cause it to not cool the car. The air comes out cold, but I don't know what would be the proper temp to look for.
What can be done to the stock system to make it work better. Anything special to look for that might cause it to not cool the car. The air comes out cold, but I don't know what would be the proper temp to look for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa Ok
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (DI2FLY)
I'm happy with vent temps of around 50 to 55. My wifes Honda puts out 40 with 134a. If your temps are above 55, you are probably not charged to capacity. Get yourself some gauges and check your pressures.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Madison MS
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (FeedVaal)
One thing you might consider is that the vent temp is within range but you aren't getting the volume of air you need out of the vents to cool the car. This could be caused by several things. A worn out fan motor is just not strong enough to move the air sufficiently, duct seals allowing too much air to be lost under the dash, or I have heard that the evaporator core can get clogged up with trash. This can cause only limited air to pass through. That air that gets through will be cold, just not enough. I have heard of people on this forum (and maybe they will post details) say that they have helped their A/C problems by sucking trash out of the system using a shop vac.
If you are getting adequate volume through the vents AND the air is cold, it will keep the car cold.
Hope this helps.
dl
[Modified by dladd74roadster, 4:23 PM 3/27/2002]
If you are getting adequate volume through the vents AND the air is cold, it will keep the car cold.
Hope this helps.
dl
[Modified by dladd74roadster, 4:23 PM 3/27/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 1
From: Deep in the Heart of Dixie Alabama
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (DI2FLY)
My experience has not been good with these air cond.
From about the mid to late seventies the factory did not put out a quality
system. There was basically a problem with the air cond. and most have never worked good.
There are a few today that cool good, but most do not work, and you can spend a ton of money on them and they still do not cool good.
[Modified by bamavettes, 4:46 PM 3/27/2002]
From about the mid to late seventies the factory did not put out a quality
system. There was basically a problem with the air cond. and most have never worked good.
There are a few today that cool good, but most do not work, and you can spend a ton of money on them and they still do not cool good.
[Modified by bamavettes, 4:46 PM 3/27/2002]
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (bamavettes)
AIR CONDITIONING :nopity Take off the damn tops. :D
I just bought mine and the seller told me that the A/C needs to be charged every year or two. My thoughts, why? Nothing beats the wind blowing through your hair on a nice sunny day. :jester
I just bought mine and the seller told me that the A/C needs to be charged every year or two. My thoughts, why? Nothing beats the wind blowing through your hair on a nice sunny day. :jester
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (DI2FLY)
Could also be that you are absorbing heat that your AC cannot overcome. Most on the Forum have installed insulation from Home Depot or elsewhere and sealed all holes in the firewall including seals at shifter and clutch rod, etc.
You might also try window film - especially in the rear.
You might also try window film - especially in the rear.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (DI2FLY)
Put in a heater shut off valve. There has been other treads about this. I just bought a nice stainless steel lever ball valve and am looking for two stainless steel hose barb fittings.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: nyc ny
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (DI2FLY)
Correctly working system should be around 40 degrees. If the evaporator core is cloged your gonna have crappy A/C if the vents are cracked or out of position its gonna be crap. Like the guys have already stated these cars should be sealed properly they generate a lot of heat. So start checking all the seals. And if you need a set of R-12 gauges let me know Im selling a set for 45.oo$ JUST BOUGHT A REAL KILLER SET FOR 165.OO$ good luck :yesnod: :smash: :cool: :seeya
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (DI2FLY)
Just spent close to a thousand bucks to have my '79 A/C system fixed. I went to the best shop in town, it wasn't cheap, but they fixed it right and she blows cold air like a champ (with a warranty to boot!) :cheers:
When it comes to A/C, I'm afraid you can't be cheap...and where we live, it's a necessity! :mad
When it comes to A/C, I'm afraid you can't be cheap...and where we live, it's a necessity! :mad
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 1
Re: Air Conditioning won't cool (73-454)
What the other guys said about a ball valve in the heater hose. Also check the hood seal. If it's bad the hot engine compartment air is picked up instead of outside air.
I just got done redoing mine I haven't had it charged yet, but I did add a variable orifice valve supposidly this should run the system cooler.
Scott
I just got done redoing mine I haven't had it charged yet, but I did add a variable orifice valve supposidly this should run the system cooler.
Scott