Ice on pipe from evaporator

Friendly format provided to inquire about automotive a/c systems.
Archived Forum

Moderators: bohica2xo, Tim, JohnHere

Post Reply
Charles5654
Posts: 29
Read the full article
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:13 pm

Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by Charles5654 »

When the A/C on my 2002 Civic SI is on, I can see ice forming on the surface of the pipe coming from the evaporator. This evaporator was installed less than one year ago, because the previous evaporator was leaking. The A/C has been working since then, but has never been strong, which, I thought, was due to the compressor being old. Now after seeing the ice on the pipe, I am less sure.
What procedure should be used to determine the reason of the ice formation?

Thanks
User avatar
Tim
Site Admin
Posts: 1279
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 2:19 pm
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by Tim »

Could be low on refrigerant. Might consider reclaiming and checking refrigerant amount by weight.
------------------------------
Please support ACKITS.com for your Auto A/C Parts and Tool needs.

Help Support the Forum
Charles5654
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:13 pm

Re: Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by Charles5654 »

Tim wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 12:50 pm Could be low on refrigerant. Might consider reclaiming and checking refrigerant amount by weight.
Thanks for reply. The refrigerant was checked and found ok. Any chances that the problem could be related to the evaporator temperature probe not working properly?
User avatar
Tim
Site Admin
Posts: 1279
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 2:19 pm
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by Tim »

short answer, Yes.
------------------------------
Please support ACKITS.com for your Auto A/C Parts and Tool needs.

Help Support the Forum
User avatar
JohnHere
Preferred Member
Posts: 1555
Joined: Sun May 13, 2018 10:20 am
Location: South Carolina Upstate - USA

Re: Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by JohnHere »

Presuming the charge isn't low, If the evaporator temp sensor is out of spec, it could cause the evaporator core and suction line to ice-up by keeping the compressor on too long. Do you notice any reduced airflow from the vents and/or the blower changing its sound after running the system for 15 minutes or so?
Member – MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association)

Thankful for the responses you have received? Please consider making a monetary donation to this Forum.
Charles5654
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:13 pm

Re: Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by Charles5654 »

JohnHere wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:08 pm Presuming the charge isn't low, If the evaporator temp sensor is out of spec, it could cause the evaporator core and suction line to ice-up by keeping the compressor on too long. Do you notice any reduced airflow from the vents and/or the blower changing its sound after running the system for 15 minutes or so?
I don't remember this happening last summer, but perhaps I was not paying close attention. I will be monitoring the airflow and changes in the sound of the blower now.
Thanks
Charles5654
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2020 5:13 pm

Re: Ice on pipe from evaporator

Post by Charles5654 »

Al9 wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 3:16 pm Might also be a jammed open TXV. Especially if AC is wimpy all the time, not just ice cold for some time then gradually warmer (this is what an evaporator that is running too cold usually yields). Too much refrigerant flowing through, suction gets too high (so the evaporator can't get cold enough) and the refrigerant has to evaporate somewhere else than within the evaporator.
The TXV was changed when the evaporator was changed. Both were good quality, aftermarket.
I will have the TXV checked.
Thanks
Post Reply