'86 a/c questions for ya.

[crazeetxn]

Well, it's starting to warm up around here so I decided to charge up my a/c.

Runs cold going down the highway, but in town, when I stop, the engine starts to bog down. Wondering if I should put an idle solenoid on there. If I do, should I wire it to the compressor switch so it only comes on when the compressor kicks on?

Also, I think I'm fixing to change the compressor anyway. When I took the a/c system apart and flushed it last year, there was metal shavings and stuff clogging the oriface tube. As far as I know, that could've only come from the compressor. Sticker on it says it was made in '02 so it's probably time.

What 'cha think?

Thanks for the inputs/advice.

[Goldfinger]

sounds like you need an idle compensator solenoid. probably would be best to wire it into the compressors switch

[86c20]

that is also how it is wired on my 78 monte works well

[crazeetxn]

Sounds like a plan. Looks like the solenoid and bracket from Holley are gonna get me back about about $90. Not bad I reckon considering I won't have to keep putting it in neutral everytime I stop.

[Desert1957]

If you had ANY metal shavings in your system, there is a potential component failure about to happen.

"Bogging Down" might not be a solenoid issue or upgrade but a tight compressor that's starting to lock up.

I'm sure you know if the compressor fails you need the following.

*complete system flush
*new compressor
*new orifice tube
*new accumulator or drier
*proper amount of oil added
*evacuate and recharge

By now almost everyone has converted to 134A or an alternative, no more R12

Desert

[Weasel Diesel]

Don't forget airflow thru the condenser. If you have converted to elec fans, they must run with a/c on. Some folks forget about the a/c when converting to elec fans.

[86c20]

Originally Posted by Weasel Diesel

Don't forget airflow thru the condenser. If you have converted to elec fans, they must run with a/c on. Some folks forget about the a/c when converting to elec fans.

i did when i did it in my monte. worked for a bit till the system went on high presser and blew the presser releve off. so just one more thing to fix lol

[Weasel Diesel]

Originally Posted by 86c20

i did when i did it in my monte. worked for a bit till the system went on high presser and blew the presser releve off. so just one more thing to fix lol

I plea guilty also. Just forgot all about it. That is until that awful noise....

[86c20]

Originally Posted by Weasel Diesel

Don't forget airflow thru the condenser. If you have converted to elec fans, they must run with a/c on. Some folks forget about the a/c when converting to elec fans.

i did when i did it in my monte. worked for a bit till the system went on high presser and blew the presser releve off. so just one more thing to fix lol

[86c20]

sorry about the double post. cpu is acting up lol

[crazeetxn]

Originally Posted by Desert1957

If you had ANY metal shavings in your system, there is a potential component failure about to happen.

"Bogging Down" might not be a solenoid issue or upgrade but a tight compressor that's starting to lock up.

I'm sure you know if the compressor fails you need the following.

*complete system flush
*new compressor
*new orifice tube
*new accumulator or drier
*proper amount of oil added
*evacuate and recharge

By now almost everyone has converted to 134A or an alternative, no more R12

Desert

Definantly been coverted to 134A some time ago. With the exception of the compressor, I did/changed all of that last year. What go me going on it was one of the hoses was HOT to the touch, but condensating right behind the oriface tube. Was supposed to mess with it last winter...yeah, that didn't happen.

Maybe I'll change the compressor this time (with the above steps) and see if that helps out.

Originally Posted by Weasel Diesel

Don't forget airflow thru the condenser. If you have converted to elec fans, they must run with a/c on. Some folks forget about the a/c when converting to elec fans.

No electric fans. Just the stock fan (for now).

[1bad87]

nice info my motor to bog down in town and put it on neutral everytime I stop. lol