I plugged it back in and started the engine and surprise surprise, it started blowing nice and cold in about 5 seconds. My question is, is this likely to have caused any damage to the AC system in the 300 or so miles that I have driven it? Or will the pressure switch have sensed the high pressures ...

Hi all, Just curious really... A couple of weeks ago, I picked up my new car. It had its radiator replaced by the supplying dealer prior to me picking it up, as it was identified as leaking. Yesterday in the particularly hot UK weather (~30C / 85F) I noticed that the AC was not very effective when t...

Cusser wrote:On most vehicles, the AC compressor and other accessories are not on the Start circuit, are on the Run circuit only. So it shouldn't matter, but OK to do so if you desire.

I'd have thought the same - my car's compressor clutch kicks in about 3-5 seconds after the engine has started.

Hi all, I had a new compressor fitted yesterday, as well as a new condenser (and receiver/dryer), and a thorough flush of the system. Acccording to the AC technician everything appears to be working perfectly, and it certainly seems so - good vent temps (around 6c) and good pressures - 30psi low and...

The AC guy has just come to have a look at it and he seems to think that some free play in the alternator overrunning pulley is causing problems. He checked the pressures (engine off) and said they seem to indicate the right amount of gas, but obviously we’ll know for sure when he removes the gas to...

Most modern alternators have a freewheeling pulley that disengages in one direction (reverse) so that the inertia of the alternator doesn’t damage other components when the engine speed rapidly decreases. A bit like freewheeling on a bicycle.

Thank you, I will update again once it's been inspected by someone who knows what they're doing :) Another theory I was told was that potentially the freewheel clutch pulley on the alternator is failing (not slipping properly in one direction) and putting undue stress on the compressor pulley. Or so...

Thanks for your analysis! This is probably the avenue I’ll take.

Those pressures were measured at idle speed though, not at 1500rpm. Can’t imagine it’ll make much difference though.

Just realised the pressure readings are written on the piece of paper I have!

Ambient temp: 21c
Vent temp: 5c
Low pressure S/R: 2.0
High pressure S/R: 7.5

Presumably these readings are in Bar!

Thanks!

So I’ve had a bit of a look around with a UV light, and the only evidence of any leakage I can see is on the LP valve, here’s a photo:

https://m.imgur.com/a/M0BVJyK

Although this is probably just where it was filled?

The HP valve had no trace at all.