Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1998 03:01:52 -0500
Reply-To: Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Subject: A/C Freezing Up?
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The a/c on my 86 Syncro GL (non-Westy) was inoperative when I purchased it
two years ago. Two weeks ago it was reborn with several hose repairs, a
new receiver dryer and an infusion of 134A refrigerant and special ester
(sp?) oil. It works great, but....
With the temp control knob on the warmest setting, the air is really cold,
and does not feel any colder if the knob is turned to a "colder" setting.
(Sorry, I have not checked it with an accurate thermometer.) After about
45-60 minutes the air gets warmer until it seems as if the a/c is no longer
operating. If the van is parked for 30-60 minutes, there is a puddle under
the right side of the rear bumper (water from the drain hose). Upon
restarting, the a/c works fine again. I have not had the opportunity to
run it through several consecutive on and off 60 minute cycles as I have
not had any all day trips this past two weeks. It does seem as if there is
a longer period of proper operation if the humidity is lower and/or the
ambient air temperature is lower. Naturally, these conditions would put
less demand upon the a/c system. On a nightime 90 minute drive at 75 F
ambient, the a/c was so cold, even at the lowest fan and temp setting, that
we mostly closed the front a/c air vents. This was with only two front
seat occupants, and the rear vents all closed.
Note to all of you sweltering down South: I am not complaining about being
too cool, just making a statement to aid in problem diagnosis. Besides,
you don't really want to trade your winters for those in Minnesota.
It seems to me that the system may be running at maximum cold capacity and
then freezing up. What is the problem? Is it a bad temperature control
switch, a/c thermostadt or capillary tube, expansion valve, or ? The top
and side pillar housings were not removed, so the evaporator, expansion
valve, relays, etc. have not been physically examined.
All suggestions will be shared with my ace mechanic, who seems quite
capable with a/c systems and Vanagons. (He went on vacation after fixing
my a/c, but will be back soon.)
Thanks in advance.
Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 73 Super
Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky-Blue Waters)
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