Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

goatster on Tue August 24, 2010 4:40 PM

Year: 1995
Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 164LS
Engine Size: 3.0
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Ambient Temp: 85
Pressure Low: 62
Pressure High: 155
Country of Origin: United States

Hi Guys

Almost exactly 5 years ago you helped me troubleshoot this car (Alfa Romeo) and for the past 5 years AC performance has been good up until the past 2 months or so. Now , I get low side pressures no less than about 60, all fans are working as they should, and charge is spot on. What I am wondering is how to diagnose the issue as being between the EPR valve and a 'weak compressor'? I suppose it could also be a clogged/restricted condensor maybe, but from what I can tell from other Alfa shops, the EPR valve is somewhat of a common failure. I could just swap one in to see if it fixes the low pressure, but I;m sort of against the old swapola until it works method!
Any ideas or thoughts ? Ice, Bohica, and trb helped me last time -- you guys are GREAT!

PS the symptom is 60F vent temps!

Edited: Tue August 24, 2010 at 4:42 PM by goatster

Dougflas on Wed August 25, 2010 5:32 AM

Go to the proceedures section and read my post on checking Crysler EPR systeme

goatster on Thu August 26, 2010 12:01 AM

Doug Thanks! On the Alfa, the compressor is not accessible to hook up an additional gauge unfortunately as near as I can see -- but I will research further. I wonder if another way might be to check the rate of recovery from the low side schraeder valve? If the EPR is blocked, I would suspect the recovery rate would suffer? Or am I tilting at windmills here?

If your method can work thats awesome since it can be done without breaking into the system--

thanks, would welcome for sure any other thoughts or ideas----

bob

Dougflas on Thu August 26, 2010 5:08 AM

Throughly check the TXV out. Check the system and possibly eliminate all other components. Then if you still can't find your problem, you may have to relate to the process of elimination. Not familiar with your model.