A/C help!

[Stresst]

This is my first post, wanted to say what's up!

I have a 2000 Escalade that's having air conditioner issues. In the last 6 weeks I replaced the main hose, condensor, accumulator/drier, orfice tube, Y-pipe, lines that run front to rear, rear evaporator and expansion valve. The a/c blows 38-40 degrees when its below 80 degrees outside but as soon as it goes to high 80's the system blows anywhere from 60-70 degrees, only blows 60 degrees when im moving on an open road or highway. The only things I didnt replace are the compressor and front evaporator. I just read an article on this site regarding cleaning the front evaporator, I may give that a try but my 270 lb fat ass my have trouble trying to work under the dash especially after having hernia surgery a few weeks ago! LOL

Any suggestions before I blow this truck up??/

[cruizerman]

Check your fan clutch. With the engine off and cooled and the key removed from the ignition, try and turn your fan with your finger. It should give you some resistance. Try to quickly turn it and watch how quickly it should come to a halt. If it spins freely or feels loose or wobbly, you may need to replace the clutch.

Personally I'd go with the HD version clutch. The fins are a bit larger and will kick on with a bit more force than the stock version.

Pulling air across the condenser is crucial to maintaining a cold AC system. Little or no air movement can damage to system very quickly. Don't run it until you fix the fan clutch.

Cleaning out the radiator and condenser with water sprayed from the backside will help as well.

You didn't mention weather you had replaced the compressor. Does it click on and off constantly when the system is on full blast? If so, you may have a leak. The compressor should also have received a cleaning and new oil.

[Stresst]

Check your fan clutch. With the engine off and cooled and the key removed from the ignition, try and turn your fan with your finger. It should give you some resistance. Try to quickly turn it and watch how quickly it should come to a halt. If it spins freely or feels loose or wobbly, you may need to replace the clutch.

Personally I'd go with the HD version clutch. The fins are a bit larger and will kick on with a bit more force than the stock version.

Pulling air across the condenser is crucial to maintaining a cold AC system. Little or no air movement can damage to system very quickly. Don't run it until you fix the fan clutch.

Cleaning out the radiator and condenser with water sprayed from the backside will help as well.

You didn't mention weather you had replaced the compressor. Does it click on and off constantly when the system is on full blast? If so, you may have a leak. The compressor should also have received a cleaning and new oil.

I actually ordered a severe duty clutch from Hayden about 2 hours ago, should be here in a few days. I replaced the condensor a few weeks ago, Im gonna hose out the radiator tomorrow but even that is kinda new. ( about 2 years old and I dont drive alot so miles are low)

No I did not change the compressor or front evaporator. I think those are the only 2 units that havent been replaced. How do yo clean a compressor? What does new oil do?

[cruizerman]

Also, you should run the front AND rear air simultaneously under most circumstances ( unless someone in the back seat gets too cold). It keeps the system in equilibrium. I've seen a lot of guys on here run just their front system thinking it's more efficient, and then when they use both, the rear starts getting colder than the front.

[Stresst]

Also, you should run the front AND rear air simultaneously under most circumstances ( unless someone in the back seat gets too cold). It keeps the system in equilibrium. I've seen a lot of guys on here run just their front system thinking it's more efficient, and then when they use both, the rear starts getting colder than the front.



I usually do! When I brought my truck back to the shop complaining my A-hole mechanic told me not use the rear unless someone is back there as it will be more efficient. I said no effin way!

[Stresst]

I just checked the fan, there doesnt seem to be any play (or at least anything noticeable to me) and when I give it a whirl it will not spin more then a quarter turn or maybe half a turn. Is this normal? I never checked this before......

[cruizerman]

I actually ordered a severe duty clutch from Hayden about 2 hours ago, should be here in a few days. I replaced the condensor a few weeks ago, Im gonna hose out the radiator tomorrow but even that is kinda new. ( about 2 years old and I dont drive alot so miles are low)

No I did not change the compressor or front evaporator. I think those are the only 2 units that havent been replaced. How do yo clean a compressor? What does new oil do?

When a GM tech replaces AC components, PAG or another certified oil is poured into each piece of the system that was replaced. It acts as a lubricant for the compressor, and it keeps the seals lubricated and soft throughout out each joint. There os a certain amount of ounces of oils that are required in each system in order for it to work properly.

When I completely replaced every component in my 99 tahoe, I found out what the total system PAG oil system capacity was for my truck, then split that amount down to equal parts and poured them into each component. Evap, condenser, compressor, dryer, etc. So the system ends up with the total amount of oil required, but it's spread out so everything is protected, lubed, etc. If I remember right, the compressor takes a good bit to maintain integrity of the piston inside because not all of the oil will travel completely through the system, from what I've read.

Anyways, if you have replaced these parts yet didn't add the appropriate amount of oil, then your system does not have enough to maintain integrity, and that can cause fallout.


I say all of the above from what I have read online, in Automotive AC repair manuals, from two friends who are GM cert. Mechanics, and from my own experience completely replacing the AC systems on both my 99 hoe and 03 silvy.

[Stresst]

Is there a way for me to check the oil level in the compressor? Can oil be added w/o losing freon?

[cruizerman]

Is there a way for me to check the oil level in the compressor? Can oil be added w/o losing freon?

Only way that I understand is to have the freon evac'd by a shop and then remove the compressor and dump out the oil in it into a measuring cup. You can look online to find the total system capacity for freon and oil, or there should be a decal on your radiator shroud that states this info also. Again, whatever comes out of your compressor needs to be subtracted (figuratively, don't actually mix old and new oil) from the total system capacity so you know how much needs to be added elsewhere. Don't pour the entire capacity of oil into your compressor. It needs to be divided up between components.

When the shop evac's the freon, they keep track of how much was removed and they will (should) make sure that they put the same amount back in when the repairs are complete. When I did both my trucks, I drove each to an AC shop, they evac'd the system and gave me a receipt for the total that was removed, and then I drove home and started replacing components. A day or so later, showed up at the shop, they installed new freon to the amount shown on the receipt, then added any additional amount needed to achieve the GM total system capacity requirements. So I only payed for the additional freon I needed, and a small service fee, but that was a small price to pay for getting to say I did it myself after knowing I did my homework.

Beware, because some shops may say this is un necessary. Remember, breakdowns equal cash in their pockets (I'm not saying all shops are like that, but there are some out there.)

[Stresst]

First im going to wait for the new fan clucth to arrive and im gonna try to clean the front evaporator to see if the system responds. If not im lost as to what you just said. What was the shop supposed to do? Add some oil to the accumulator, lines, ypipe and rear evaporator before installing them? Being everything's installed already what would one do?

If the new clutch and cleaning of the evaporator dont work then I have no choice im gonna buy a new compressor and evaporator. Problem is im running out of cash and patients! I see there is a kit on ebay those has a compressor, accumulator and oil for under 200.00. I just dont know if I need it. This is frustrating as hell!