AC Performance at Idle

[gingerdyde]

Just curious if this sounds like a reasonable performance for AC. It seems warmer than I remember it while in traffic.

Tested:
-Engine at idle
-Engine at operating temp
-Windows down
-Fan on full blast
-Temp max cool
-On recirc mode
-Sitting in sun

Ambient temp is 92F.

Center vent gets down to 57F.

[Daox]

That is a bit high. Might have a small leak in the system?

[Eg.h2o]

What is the vent temp while going down the road?

[gingerdyde]

Not sure, I will test that next time I'm out driving.

I had to do some work on the AC last year. The fan resistor at the front of the car rusted out (terrible place to put it) and fell apart, so the fan was not turning on with the AC. The seal at the compressor inlet/outlet let go as a result. Luckily I had tossed dye in it previously. Unfortunately the accumulator was seized on the condenser (terrible design also), so I had to replace the entire condenser.

I flushed it, replaced all seals and valve stems, oiled it, vacuumed it (which held for over an hour), and charged it to spec. The pressures were very high at first. This is what led me to discover the fan wasn't turning on because of the resistor, which I replaced with a new part. Pressures were in range afterwards. Unfortunately the hot weather ended pretty much right after I did that so I never got to actually test it out.

I do know that the system ran low for many years. How do I know this? The evaporator used to make a creepy "breathing" sound when the system was running. Now that it has more freon in it, it is silent. Now I realize it was the expansion valve making that noise because it was pretty low. So if your dash "breathes" with the AC on, you're low on freon.

The compressor also has a noticeable growl to it, probably from running low. I replaced the oil with PAG 46 because when I called the dealer they gave me a part number and it turned out to be PAG 46. I guess they are topping all the vehicles with this now. In hindsight I realize that the car probably shipped with PAG 150 and I probably should have put that in it. The compressor still has a growl, I'm guessing due to the lighter oil, but it's not nearly as loud.

When I get a chance I will check for leaks with my UV flashlight, but tbh I'm wondering if the compressor is just worn some from running low for years.

[gingerdyde]

Also this might be useful. This is the AC performance test specs for this vehicle according to GM. At 2000 RPM mine gets down to 49F at 92F with 55% humidity.

So it's within spec. It just doesn't *feel* that cold sitting at idle. I feel like other vehicles can freeze you out at idle, but then again I've never really paid close attention either so maybe I'm wrong.

Just trying to get some feedback on idle performance from others.

https://imgur.com/2RP30li
https://imgur.com/hwGBbNu

[Eg.h2o]

If the vent temp is noticeably cooler while going down the road, I’d say your system is fine.

[gingerdyde]

Well I may have figured it out.

Acquired a black light LED flashlight and looked around the lines. Found a trail of dye. So it's leaking at the condenser inlet or outlet fitting.

Which really sucks because I put a new condenser and all new seals on last year. Guess I get to vac it down and replace the seal again.