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Chrysler sebring JXI HELP 65F coldest I can get vent Pages: 12

jmcz440 on Tue July 05, 2011 5:07 PM User is offline

Year: 1998
Make: Chrysler
Model: Sebring jxi convertible
Engine Size: V6
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Ambient Temp: 90+
Pressure Low: 40-45
Pressure High: 220-250
Country of Origin: United States

Hello,
I am looking for some help or suggestions regarding my 1998 Sebring jxi convertible. I have been working on my A/C for over 2 months now. I can only achieve 60-65F while driving and 70F while idle (at center vent). Ambient temp is 90-95 some times a little hotter. If temp is at or above 90, the best i can get is 65-70F at the vent. If Ambient 80-85 I can get down to 50-55F depending on humidity.
Let me give you a brief summary of what I did so I can get the best educated course of action.

1. I live in Alabama "HOT", bought car in October 2010, A/C worked so so, given it was only in upper 70's maybe 80 most days.
2. I checked this spring and realized pressures where low and compressor was not cycling correctly. Added (134a) and compressor began making noise and within a few days freon was all gone. I later found a leaky LOW side core valve. So I decided to give it a overhaul without wasting more money on refrigerant.
3. I bought a new compressor, expansion valve and receiver drier. I disassembled entire system except evaporator and condenser. I flushed all lines with A/C flush from advance auto, along with evaporator and condenser. I followed this with dry filtered air.
4. I replaced all O-rings and seals.
5. Installed compressor with proper amount of oil, (5 oz PAG 100). I even let it sit on table, pulley facing down to lubricate shaft seal, and rotate a few times as per compressor instructions.
6. I added 2-3oz PAG 100 to drier, I used a little in the cap to lube all the new o-rings. I had new 8oz bottle.
7. Vacuumed to (-29.9inhg) or -1 bar on low side gauge, needle was bottomed out for 2+ hrs.
8. Closed both low and high side port and shut off vacuum pump. Vacuum didn't not move in 30mins So I assumed no leak an started with charging.
9. Charging I bleed yellow line after connecting can R134a to make sure no air.
10.Began filling with A/C on high (recycle mode). I added two 12oz cans of 134a only, "national" brand, no additives. System calls for 1.75 Lbs. or28oz. My pressure seemed OK at 45 LOW and 250High. Remember it is 94 degrees out. I was only getting 68-70F at vent.
11. I took car for a ride to get more 134a and noticed that while cruising I dropped 8-10 degrees (vent at 60F). I added a3oz bottle of Quick Boost EZ chill 134a combo, when I got home and no help. I checked radiator cooling fan relays and fan is working properly. Always on with A/C on and kicks into high when engine warms up "roaring" sound, even with fan on high no change in vent temp. Car has single fan with High and low speeds controlled by relays (fan only covers left half of radiator and condenser, other half has rubber flaps that open with air flow while moving.
12. Went ahead a flushed system again and changed out condenser with a brand new one, a long with a new drier. Followed vacuum and charge procedure as described above except I let it sit with vacuum pump for 3.5 hrs just to make sure no moisture. Same results.

Ambient air as measured with digital thermometer 94F
Low pressure 45 idle, 30-35 at 1500-2000rpm
High side is about 230-250
Vent 68-70F, and 60F while driving 35mph or higher.

Is this the best I can expect or should I add a cheap race fan to condenser. I don't think evaporator is bad it does not smell or leak and water drips fine out of drain.
I don't know what else to do.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated



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Jason

TRB on Tue July 05, 2011 6:46 PM User is offlineView users profile

With or without top down?

-------------------------

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jmcz440 on Tue July 05, 2011 7:09 PM User is offline

Without top down, windows up.

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Jason

jmcz440 on Tue July 05, 2011 7:15 PM User is offline

LOL
95-100F is pretty hot when you sit in traffic with top down Sun Blazing. I wouldn't mind if I had 40-45 degree air blowing on me, but 70 is a little warm!

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Jason

mk378 on Tue July 05, 2011 7:22 PM User is offline

Pressures suggest it could be cooling fairly well. Does the suction line get cold? Clamp off the heater hoses to be sure there's no reheating.

jmcz440 on Tue July 05, 2011 7:35 PM User is offline

Suction Line is not cold like it should be, it is cool and usually wet with condensation. Heater hoses going to the blower box? Didn't think of that, Fairly new to this, I did not want to disassemble the entire dash to get at evaporator box but looks like here goes.
Thanks I will post findings, or maybe a question or 2.

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Jason

jmcz440 on Tue July 05, 2011 8:51 PM User is offline

I just clamped both heater hoses at firewall just before heater core clamps. No change in temp 63F with outside temp 89F. Climate control seems to be working OK. As soon as I go 1 click to warm the temp climbs and I can hear a change in air flow. I will have to investigate further tomorrow. I will disassemble the dash and make sure all cables are working fully and not stretched. If I have to I will recover again and take the entire evaporator out and check all air ducts. Thanks again for your time and pointing me in a direction. Nothing is ever easy!

Thanks

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Jason

JJM on Tue July 05, 2011 11:53 PM User is offline

Before ripping out the evaporator, do an expansion valve quick test. Run the engine at 2,000 RPM with the A/C on and record pressures. Blast the head of the TVX (block type TVX, correct) with cold and check pressures, then hot and check pressures. Little or no change indicates a bad TXV

Have you tried watering down the condenser and checking the change in pressures and vent temperatures?

Where were the parts for this repair sourced from?

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com

JJM on Tue July 05, 2011 11:54 PM User is offline

Also, when clamping off the heater hoses, did you allow at least 15 minutes before retesting, for the heater core to fully cool?

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com


jmcz440 on Wed July 06, 2011 8:04 AM User is offline

Joe,
I let it run for about 10 mins, The car was already cool it was sitting for 6+hrs. I will try again with longer time.
I bought the parts at advance auto, "Factory air" compressor, expansion valve, and drier. I ordered the condenser from "Radiator Classic". It came sealed and under vacuum, I heard the pop when I removed the rubber plugs on inlet and outlet.
You are correct it is a "block type" automatic expansion valve and it mounts directly on the evaporator at the firewall via 2 torques head bolts.
Also I did notice it seems a little cooler when i go to the car wash. I will try a few suggestions and get back to you.

Thanks

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Jason

jmcz440 on Wed July 06, 2011 6:03 PM User is offline

Hello,
OK if I spray condenser with water pressure drops. high pressure drops enough to kick the fan off.
so I went to expansion valve. I filled a spray bottle with ICE and a little water and sprayed the side of expansion valve with big head dial and pressure did not move. I then gave quick pulses with a small heat gun to expansion valve and nothing. Needles did not even flinch. IS ICE water good enough? I guess I got a bum expansion valve. I wonder if they will honor the drier as well since I will have to take it apart again.
Thanks for all of your help!
I will let you know after expansion valve is changed.

Jason

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Jason

jmcz440 on Thu July 07, 2011 6:34 PM User is offline

Well I just changed out expansion valve and reciever drier with a brand new one under warranty. And yes I have the same result 65F while idle and 55-60*F while driving. After it rained today the temp outside dropped to about 80F and I reached 50F while driving but stays at 60F while not moving. Also the temp rises with with increased blower speed, about 5 degrees higher on setting 3 and 4 than on 1 and 2 so I will check the evaporator box for reheating of some kind. I should just say hell with it, it is a 15 yr old car but, I essentially have a brand new A/C system and the car looks and runs great. I am determined to get this cooling in the 40's.

Again thank you all for your suggestions.



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Jason

JJM on Thu July 07, 2011 10:00 PM User is offline

I don't agree with just saying the hell with it. It should work.

I'm not comfortable with where the parts were sourced. I would rest easier if they were from the site sponsor, or OEM from a Chrysler dealer - especially the TXV. You could have a universal TXV. No good in my opinion.

Just to check/confirm a few things.

- Why did you only charge 24 oz when the system calls for 28 oz? You probably lost 1-2 oz switching cans as well. You may even want to go above 28 oz, in the event of post production parts changes.
- At it's best vent temperatures, is compressor running continuously and NOT cycling?
- Is the exterior of the evaporator core clean? If the coils are dirty and blocked with debris, you're not going to get good heat transfer (this would also increase the cycling rate).
- What kind of temperature drop are you getting across the condenser? Do you have an IR or thermocouple thermometer to check the inlet and outlet temperatures? I'm curious how much sub-cooling there actually is. Also record pressures if you get the temperatures. Ditto for the evaporator inlet and outlet temperature, to check super-heat.

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com




jmcz440 on Thu July 07, 2011 11:42 PM User is offline

Thanks Joe I appreciate your support.
I do have an IR thermometer I will get you the temps tomorrow morning. I have put the full amount in this time using a scale with same result.
Ambient air is 90F
Low 45psi
High 230psi
Center vent 65F
When driving on the highway I am dropping to about 55-60 depending on speed.
I removed the glove box and took the evaporator probe out and cleaned with hot water, looking through the hole the bottom 3 inches or so of the evaporator looks clean. I am going to buy some evaporator cleaning foam or spray. Between the probe hole and the recirc vent I think I can clean it pretty good. It is worth a shot before taking the whole HVAC unit out. The compressor never cycles off while car is idling at best vent temps. I am pretty certain all the electronics are working properly the compressor came with a new High cut out switch, and the whole system is controlled by the PCM which was new last year. according to the service manual the check engine light should come on if anything is malfunctioning which it is not. The evaporator never gets cold enough to cycle compressor off.

Shouldn't the evaporator get cold even if air is not blowing across it because it is dirty? I don't think the suction line at evap is getting cold enough, seems cool but not cold. I will get actual temps for you in the morning after it warms up. If we can be certain I have a poor quality TXV I will be glad to order one I just don't want to waste more money.
I will start by getting as much info as I can.

Thanks again for the support, I will post total analysis in the morning.



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Jason

TRB on Thu July 07, 2011 11:53 PM User is offlineView users profile

Liquid Line Temperature °F (°C) (1) Compressor Discharge Pressure psi (kg/cm2 )
40 (4.4) 53-75 (37.3-52.7)
60 (15.6) 81-104 (57.0-73.1)
80 (26.7) 111-142 (78.0-99.8)
100 (37.8) 156-194 (109.7-136.4)
120 (48.9) 208-259 (146.2-182.1)
140 (60.0) 272-331 (191.2-232.7)
160 (71.1) 353-420 (248.2-295.3)
180 (82.2) 447-516 (314.3-362.8)
(1) When pressure is lower than specified, system is undercharged. When pressure is
higher than specified, system is overcharged.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

jmcz440 on Fri July 08, 2011 2:37 PM User is offline

Joe

OK here is some data!

Ambient Temp=90F
Static pressure=110psi both high and low sides(engine off)

Started and ran A/C on high(fan 4, recirc mode) 20 mins and recorded following data.
(engine idle 700-800 rpm)
LOW=50psi
High=235psi
Condenser temps
inlet=145F-147F
outlet=122F-125F
Evaporator temps
Inlet=123F-124-F
Outlet=65F
Vent=65F

Blower fan down to 2 position
Low=45psi
High=235psi
vent drops to 62F

Rpm @ 1800-2000
Low=30-35psi
High=250psi

All temp readings were recorded with a FLUKE 65 Infrared Thermometer on aluminum lines at specific locations.
Compressor runs continuously.

Thanks in advance for help




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Jason

TRB on Fri July 08, 2011 6:30 PM User is offlineView users profile

Did you drain the oil form the new compressor before adding the 5 ounces?

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

jmcz440 on Fri July 08, 2011 6:54 PM User is offline

yes! I did this twice 1st on compressor install and then again on condenser install, disassembled all lines and flushed each time.
Is it possible I am not cooling enough through the condenser. I noticed the service manual has some models with 2 fans mine only has a single fan with low and high settings.

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Jason

TRB on Fri July 08, 2011 6:57 PM User is offlineView users profile

Spray some water on the condenser and see if pressures and temps drop.

-------------------------

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

jmcz440 on Fri July 08, 2011 7:22 PM User is offline

I will let you know about pressures, but I do know that if i spray a hose on condenser through the grill the vents get cooler, and the pressure drops(I Assume) enough to shut the fan off momentarily and about 5-10 seconds after removing water fan comes back on.

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Jason

JJM on Fri July 08, 2011 7:53 PM User is offline

Let's look at what these additional numbers mean. Your pressure readings of 50/235 PSI translates into 53.98/141.80 F for R-134a. Your condenser inlet temperature is 145-147 F which might ever so slightly indicate an undercharge. What I don't seem to be seeing enough of is subcooling - only a 22/23 F drop. At the same time, 65 F on the evaporator outlet with 50 PSI translates into 53.98 F - or 11.02 F superheat.

Don't take this the wrong way - trying to cover all the bases- but is the condenser plumbed correctly? The discharge line from the compressor shoud feed to the top of the coil, and the liquid line should come of the bottom of the coil. Your symptoms are eerily similar to an improperly plumbed condenser - easy to do if the fittings are the same size as is the case with some vehicles.

The fact the hosing down the condenser lowers pressures as much as you desribe seems to point to this. What kind of vent temps do you get when the condenser is hosed for a while?

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com



jmcz440 on Fri July 08, 2011 8:34 PM User is offline

Joe
Condenser plumbing is correct. Different size tubing.
I hosed down for 15-20 minutes. fan shut off compressor stayed cycling, and vent temp went from 60F to 55F and went to 50F when I drove around the block, and settled at 55F when I stopped and let idle in the drive way.
I may be under charged slightly from taking gauges on and off the past 2 days, and bleeding along with a slight bleed to make sure no air was in the lines.






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Jason

jmcz440 on Fri July 08, 2011 8:39 PM User is offline

Also not offended, appreciate the help!

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Jason

jmcz440 on Fri July 08, 2011 8:43 PM User is offline

fan pic



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Jason

JJM on Fri July 08, 2011 9:25 PM User is offline

Bypass the low pressure cut-out or hot wire the clutch so the compressor runs continuously. Hook up your gauges, get a thermometer in the center vent, and note the ambient temperature. Run the engine at 2,000 RPM and keep the condenser watered down continuously. What are the pressures and what kind of vent temperatures are there under these conditions? Can 35-40 F or lower vent temperatures be obtained?

Are the fans rotating properly, pulling air in? Are the radiator find clear? (Blocked radiator fins will result in poor airflow for the condenser). Is the coolant temperature normal?

I'm still not sure on the TXV. Clearly there seems to be too much superheat. Whether that's from insufficient subcooling at the condenser or insufficient refrigerant in the evaporator doesn't appear to be clear at this point.

Just trying to cover all the bases...

Joe

When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: www.ACKits.com

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