Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

69-er on Tue June 07, 2011 8:19 PM

Year: 1992
Make: Chevrolet
Model: C1500
Engine Size: 350
Refrigerant Type: R134

Here's a weird one for y'all.

When I first turn on the AC, after several seconds of operation, the compressor locks up. I can turn it off and on and then will work fine. Sometimes it will do it again, but turning it off and on again allows it to run normally until I turn off the engine. So far, when it sits for just a few minutes between starts and it doesn't lock up. It only happens after an extended park of a few hours.

It seems if I immediately get the truck moving and get the RPMs up, it won't do it, at least it hasn't yet.

I've been planning on going back to R12 along with a new compressor. It's a reman now. I would imagine a flush, with new oil, drier and compressor will fix this, but I sure would like to know what's causing it.

Could oil or liquid refrigerant be accumulating in the intake of the compressor?

Thanks!

Larry

JJM on Thu June 09, 2011 12:27 AM

What's the high side pressure when the system begins locking up? Since this is retrofit, was an HPCO installed. That would kick the compressor off before pressures get too high.

But either way, pressures shouldn't be getting that high. The fact that it doesn't occur when your moving sounds like a fan/airflow issue.

Joe

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