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Not cooling enough.

BugMan on Sat June 28, 2008 3:24 PM User is offline

Year: 1997
Make: Ford
Model: Taurus
Engine Size: 3.8L
Refrigerant Type: R-134a
Ambient Temp: 90
Pressure Low: 25
Pressure High: 240
Country of Origin: United States

Pressures listed above are at 1500 RPM or greater and with the condensor being misted. The major complaint is not cooling enough. At idle and with no condensor mist, the highside drops to 220 and the lowside raises to 35. At idle, when the condensor is misted the highside drops to 175 and lowside stays at 35.

What's the verdict? Undercharge? What should the appropriate pressures be?

Chick on Sat June 28, 2008 5:01 PM User is offlineView users profile

Is the condenser fan running when the AC is turned on? Has any work been done on the system, like refrigerant added, or sealers added in the past? Pressures aren't that far off, but a little high. If the fan isn't working, then you may find it undercharged once it is.. In that case a system evac/recharge should be done to be sure you have the right charge to start diagnosing..Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

BugMan on Sat June 28, 2008 6:03 PM User is offline

I forgot to mention that important fact. The fan is electric and was confirmed to be running. Now what? What is the normal Lowside operating pressure for 134a?

Edited: Sat June 28, 2008 at 6:06 PM by BugMan

Chick on Sat June 28, 2008 6:36 PM User is offlineView users profile

Your low side is "in range" but as I said, do you know if the system has even been serviced? if not, then I would suggest recovering and recharging the factory amount in. But feel the suction line, it should be cold from the evap to the compressor. If it's not, it's a sign of either low charge, and/or air in the system, I would also check and change the O tube while the system is empty before recharging.. Make sure the fan is pulling air thru, and not running backwards, condenser clean of bugs and dirt. Hope this helps..

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

BugMan on Sat June 28, 2008 6:49 PM User is offline

The owner of the car states that the A/C has never been serviced. I'm not too sure I believe that since I saw dye at the lowside port when I disconnected the gauges. I'm gonna check between the condensor and radiator. If I don't find anything then I'll take it for a test drive with the gauges at the windshield. The suction line is currently 'beer can cold' and showing the normal sweat, but I think the complaint is when the car is on the highway. If I don't find anything I think I'll reclaim, inspect O-tube, flush, and recharge. Thanks for the input.

Chick on Sat June 28, 2008 6:53 PM User is offlineView users profile

with the gauges on the windshield, check for frequent cycling, also check the clutch gap, could be opening and not grabbing again..A common FS10 problem in Taurus/Sable. Check the clutch gap before you take it for a ride, if more than .02, it could be the problem..Hope this helps..
PS: Ford did use dye from the factory in those years I believe..Not 100% sure though...

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Chick
Email: Chick

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Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose

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