Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

djrusselp on Tue July 21, 2015 7:36 PM

Year: 1992
Make: Chevy
Model: 1500
Engine Size: 4.3L
Refrigerant Type: R134

I just bought a '92 Chevy for my son and its AC was blowing relatively warm at idle, but cold while moving. I took it to my mechanic and was told that the the orfice was stopped up and that it was time to replace the compressor. I did and in the process they switched it over to R134. $800 later, it's not any better. My question is just how cold should it blow at idle on these old trucks? I get that the truck is 23 years old, but if that were the explanation I would've obviously avoided replacing the system. Thoughts? I've got no info for you on temps and pressures. Thanks for the help.

TRB on Wed July 22, 2015 5:00 PM

It would help to know what the pressures are when it is not cooling. If you have an overcharged or High pressure issue. It will be hard for the system to cool. Spray some water on the condenser and see if temps drop.

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Cussboy on Wed July 22, 2015 6:44 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: djrusselp
My question is just how cold should it blow at idle on these old trucks? I get that the truck is 23 years old, but if that were the explanation I would've obviously avoided replacing the system. Thoughts?

Quote
Originally posted by: TRB
Spray some water on the condenser and see if temps drop.

Typically, poor performance at idle speeds can indicate poor condenser cooling, why TRB recommended misting water onto the condenser. Poor condenser cooling/exchange of heat is typically caused by a bad fan clutch on the older trucks (newer ones have elctric fans). At faster speeds the air gets rammed through the condenser anyway; and you can have a bad fan clutch and still not see engine temperature move up at idle and city driving, and then cool down when on the highway.

I've replaced my own fan clutch about every 6 years (Arizona).