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Excessive load on engine

msaqib on Thu September 29, 2011 3:43 AM User is offline

Year: 1992
Make: Nissan
Model: Sentra
Engine Size: 1.0 lite
Refrigerant Type: N/A
Country of Origin: Pakistan

Hi guys
I have a Nissan Sentra 1992 (marketed as Nissan Sunny down here). The airconditioner puts a lot of load on the engine. The car hardly makes 45 MPH with the A/C on. The cooling is OK, though. An A/C mechanic said that it is because the compressor is old and weak. Shouldn't a weak compressor produce low cooling instead of putting excessive load on the engine? There doesn't appear to be any noise from the compressor, but shouldn't this be indicative of a worn bearing or something? Anything else that could be wrong?
Thanks and best regards

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Saqib Ilyas

mk378 on Thu September 29, 2011 8:54 AM User is offline

It's essential to check the pressures. It could be excessive high side pressure due to overcharging with refrigerant or oil, or air in the lines. If you see abnormally high pressures in the 350-400 psi range, the compressor is clearly working OK but the rest of the system is making it work too hard. A worn out compressor will either spin and not pump, or seize up completely. Once a compressor has an internal drag it will rather quickly seize up.

Realize that any car with such a small engine will have a noticeable loss of acceleration with the A/C on, even operating normally. The engine should be gone over to make sure it is working to full potential.

msaqib on Thu September 29, 2011 9:35 PM User is offline

Thanks mk. I'll review it in light of your suggestions.

-------------------------
Saqib Ilyas

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