2001 lx470 ac clutch (1 Viewer)

[3nobt]

Hello All,
My adventure with new to me 2001 Lexus LX470 started by winning at auction. I did pull a carfax and the service records are sparse so I'm optimistically assuming prior owners did their own maintenance (maybe wishful thinking).

My latest hurdle is the ac. I noticed the high side ac line between compressor and condenser had a connection completely stripped out. System was empty of refrigerant. I replaced both parts with new, added a new desiccant filter, vacuumed the system ~1hr which held, added 3x 12 oz cans of r-134a, and 40ml pag 46. With some r-134a not making into the system due to bleeding gauges and minimal residual in each can I'm probably at 34 oz into the system.

I noticed th a/c light blinking after 3-4 seconds and the clutch would not stay on. I repeatedly cycled the ac in order to pull refrigerant into the system thinking clutch might not come on due to low pressure switch.

If I Rev engine to 2000 + rpm the clutch will stay on and ac blows nice and cold.

I replaced the relay.

Serpentine belt looks good an tight.

Any tips/suggestions on what to check next?

 

[3nobt]

Update...

• Jumped the magnetic clutch relay. Ac was blowing cold but noticed a smell of refrigerant and actually started to feel light headed after about 20 mins of driving with nice cool ac. A/c light was still blinking.
• Bought a leak detector from Amazon and it caught a leak in the a/c evaporator core. Must be small because the pressures are still pretty good.
• It could be the original denso evap from 2001, I'm planning to replace it using the tips here and will report back. Number imprinted is 04c13a5971 also the expansion valve. I will probably bite the bullet and replace the condenser, pressure switch, and compressor.
• Additionally, found the fan clutch spins for ~18 seconds after turning vehicle off... suspect bad fan clutch as this one seems to spin to freely.
• The ac filters were pretty gummed up, so will be replaced.

 

[Gnarwgn]

Just fought an AC battle myself. Which is over, for now. Only thing you haven't mentioned is adding dye so you can trace leak(s), and be able to more accurately troubleshoot.

FWIW - I replaced my compressor due to clutch starting to go out. Given the age of my vehicle (also 2001) I thought replacement made the most sense. Others have pulled the compressor and replaced the clutch only as an alternative.

Lastly - double check your rear high pressure line, I (and many others) also had leaks there.

 

[3nobt]

The little bit of pag46 oil I added had some dye. I'm waiting on the uv light and glasses from amazon to peek around for any leaks at connection points.

I'm thinking to pull the trigger on the compressor but it seems some of them aren't for front and rear ac. I'm planning to keep the rear intact.