AC Help / 1999 FRC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn Virginia
AC Help / 1999 FRC
Hey Gang, little help?
99 FRC stock with 68,000 miles. As it got hot this summer noticed the AC blowing but not doing much at all. Work mechanic (knows his stuff) bled the system and pronounced the system was good with no leaks. Added cans of 134a and off I went. He mentioned that the system will work better when driving as the air flow helps. Since the charge it has been 100+ degrees... takes ~5-10 minutes driving before any cool air, but not cold air... enough to cool the cabin somewhat but I'm not loving it.
Thoughts?
99 FRC stock with 68,000 miles. As it got hot this summer noticed the AC blowing but not doing much at all. Work mechanic (knows his stuff) bled the system and pronounced the system was good with no leaks. Added cans of 134a and off I went. He mentioned that the system will work better when driving as the air flow helps. Since the charge it has been 100+ degrees... takes ~5-10 minutes driving before any cool air, but not cold air... enough to cool the cabin somewhat but I'm not loving it.
Thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 5
without seeing it...could be improper amount of r134a, compressor or condenser malfunction.
check if the compressor short-cycles...on/off/on/off
Check the condenser and see if the fins are full of debris...use a garden hose and using LOW pressure give it a cleaning.
check if the compressor short-cycles...on/off/on/off
Check the condenser and see if the fins are full of debris...use a garden hose and using LOW pressure give it a cleaning.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn Virginia
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 833
Likes: 2
From: Boca FL
If that system has never been apart since new you may have a partially blocked orfice tube; it's a small inline screen/filter. Should have at least checked/replaced that before the recharge. I live in S. Florida and rarely have the fan speed above 3; it'll freeze you out, even at idle. I went though my system and replaced the pump, dryer, and orfice tube though.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn Virginia
thanks
good advice. i'm worried about taking it in to a shop and having them start with compressor etc then find the problem is a blockage. guess i need to trust them to do their job...
wish i had shop and lift.
wish i had shop and lift.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 1,209
From: Raleigh, NC
St. Jude Donor '15
need to know the pressures on high and low side really.. no offense to your mechanic, but the more information we have the better
also, are the vents on one side of the car blowing cooler air than the other?
also, are the vents on one side of the car blowing cooler air than the other?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn Virginia
high low
i forget the numbers... but the high and low were normal. for some reason i'm thinking 190 but could be wrong.
mechanic is not a vette mechanic but knows his stuff. i was worried an obvious leak would show but was reassured by his take on the readings.
hope this helps. thanks gang.
mechanic is not a vette mechanic but knows his stuff. i was worried an obvious leak would show but was reassured by his take on the readings.
hope this helps. thanks gang.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn Virginia
well hell
Took her to a trusted shop and explained the situation. Looks bad, I'll know more Monday and will share the results.
Thanks for the tips, appreciated. Have a great weekend!
Thanks for the tips, appreciated. Have a great weekend!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Ashburn Virginia
Fixed!
Hopefully it stays fixed!
Charged the system with dye... leak at Shrader valve on high side. Replaced that and topped off the system. They have kept an eye on her and no leaks. Hopefully good to go.
Fix including diagnostic $260 and change. Thanks for the advice and wish me luck that she holds.
Charged the system with dye... leak at Shrader valve on high side. Replaced that and topped off the system. They have kept an eye on her and no leaks. Hopefully good to go.
Fix including diagnostic $260 and change. Thanks for the advice and wish me luck that she holds.
Last edited by pokeyjones; Jul 14, 2010 at 03:05 PM.
