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I just replaced the AC field coil on my car. After installation I saw my low side pressure was close to zero so I added a can of freeon and brought it close to 35psi. My ac blows cold when driving but gets a bit warmer when idling, unless if I turn the fans down. My cooling fans both work. Does it just need more freeon or could there be an issue?
Lower A/C performance should be expected at idle. When you're driving, the engine is at a higher rpm, running the compressor faster. Also there's greater airflow over your condenser when the car is moving than what the fan can provide when it's just sitting still.
Unless there's a severe difference in performance between the two running states, it might just be physics at work.
OP, inspect your condenser for damage fins or blockage. Spray some water on it while at idle and see if that makes the AC blow colder. Also, get yourself a
Thanks for the info everyone. I will have to invest in a set of high/low gauges and retest, im just using a cheap low pressure gauge that comes with the small freeon cans. From reading the post above, I think condenser might be plugged/dirty, as I was getting about 40psi on a 30C day at idle, and ac blows nice and cold when driving but not very cold at idle, id guess about 70-75 f
Finally time for an update. I gave the condenser a good cleaning and made a big difference. I can't get access to a full manifold gauge set, but from research and seeing how low side pressure drops pretty slowly to about 45psi using testing method above, and 95psi when off, i think my expansion valve isn't quite working properly. Regardless, it was 35 degrees out today, and the ac took a bit longer than usual to start blowing cold air than it should
It eventually blew ice cold when stopped and driving. Good enough for me for now.
