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blows cold a few mins then warm

cerich on Mon May 23, 2011 2:26 PM User is offline

Year: 2000
Make: mazda
Model: b2500
Engine Size: 2.5
Refrigerant Type: 134

so, it runs cold for 5-10 mins then gets warm. Turn off for 10 and it will run cold again and repeat the cycle. i have changed the solenoid that attaches to the dryer and that didn't change a thing. never done ac before but fairly handy guy. I know I'll need to get any discharge done by a shop and vacuum and charge by a shop as well.

if someone can point me in the correct direction I would sure appreciate it!

bohica2xo on Mon May 23, 2011 3:00 PM User is offline

Check the clutch gap on the compressor.

When the system stops cooling, park & leave the engine running - A/C on. Open the hood and look at the drive end of the compressor. Everything from the belt foreward should be spinning. If the clutch gap is too large, the very front of the compressor will be stopped.

This can usually be corrected without opening the system.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

cerich on Mon May 23, 2011 3:10 PM User is offline

ok, thanks and just tried exactly that, everything was spinning then the compressor clicked and the actual pulley on the compressor stopped spinning and the belt slipped, that last maybe 10 seconds and then another click and everything started to spin again

bob234 on Mon May 23, 2011 3:18 PM User is offline

Sounds like the cooling fan isn't working. That will cause high head pressure and cause poor cooling. Usually you don't notice it until the vehicle warms up.

Edited: Mon May 23, 2011 at 3:22 PM by bob234

cerich on Mon May 23, 2011 3:43 PM User is offline

the big cooling fan behind the rad? Hmm I can test it, it's a viscous unit... the engine temp has been fine and steady as a rock in the middle.

bohica2xo on Mon May 23, 2011 3:54 PM User is offline

This is the point where you need actual test pressures - both high & low side taken at the same time.

Your system may be cycling on the HPCO switch - the only way to know is the high side pressure when it stops cooling.

A manifold set is two gauges and the necessary hoses & connectors. Worth owning as a diagnostic tool, even if you have the work done by someone else.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

cerich on Mon May 23, 2011 4:07 PM User is offline

Ok, I can get a set from Harbor Freight for about $40 with a coupon, anybody know if that is a good set to get?

TRB on Mon May 23, 2011 5:13 PM User is offlineView users profile

If I tell you no would you believe me?

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Contact: ACKits.com

cerich on Mon May 23, 2011 5:39 PM User is offline

quite possibl;y because I haven't played with ac before. I don't want to spend a ton for something I may use 6 times in the next 20 years but also want it to actually work

bohica2xo on Mon May 23, 2011 11:03 PM User is offline

"actually work" is the key phrase.

TRB sells a gauge set for about 90 bucks. It DOES work, and he does stand behind it.

I have seen china freight stuff that would not properly open the service valves - so your readings would be "zero". Then you open a system believing it is empty...

Under 100 bucks, and you will still be able to use it the next time you need it. The tools from that outfit are ok for some things. But not for everything. I keep one of their cheap voltmeters around for fun. Test a fully charged 12v battery and see less than 9 volts. 145 vac at wall outlets. Somehow it tests a flashlight battery @ 1.5v . Quality.

A manifold set is just not the place to save money. I don't work for anybody that sells tools. Look around and find a good price on a name brand set. Mastercool. Imperial-Eastman. Robinair. I have found it is hard to beat Tim's prices.

B.

-------------------------
"Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms, as the blackest."
~ Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, An Autobiography, M. K. Gandhi, page 446.

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