AC help needed from fellow Arizonians

[mattman555]

The way I see it there are a 1000 opinions out there around AC with the FZJ80. However Arizona is a different beast when it comes to AC and I'm looking for some solid AZ feedback.

We took my FZJ80 the long way from Show Low via the back road down the rim to Roosevelt lake and then through apache trail into Apache Junction. The trip took some 6.5 hours. By the time we hit Apache Trail it was 3PM and 107 out. Needless to say the AC was not working at all it completely shut down. In fact even when we hit the 60 at high way speeds it wasn't still doing well. The next day after sitting the the garage overnight it blew cool in the morning and hot by 5PM

My rig is in very good mechanical shape -- Just about everything is new -- AC, Hoses, Radiator, Mixer, water pump, ToolsRUS Fan Clutch Mod, etc. (all < 2 years old). Murf and Camelback Toyota just redid my entire AC system last year. I self-checked the coolant and its fully charged.

Here is what I'm seeing -- When the rig has been in the garage and the AC blow okay on the way into work. Not great just okay. If it sits outside all day by 5PM the ride home its terrible, blowing barely any cold air at all.

It seems like its under performing and I'm not quite sure why...

Any solid AZ AC recommendations? Thanks!

 

[peacesells63]

Sounds like an expansion valve. Very common problem. I replaced mine about a year ago, same symptoms.

 

[murf]

If your truck itself isn't overheating then the way to determine is to hook gages to determines high and low side pressures both when the truck is cool and full operating temps. If there is a slight blockage in the system, then it cannot regulate itself once the demands get high when the truck is fully warmed up and the resulting high side pressure increases.
We are fixing an 80 right now with exact issue. Turned out the restriction was in the condenser. But like peacesells says, usually it is the expansion valve.

 

[mattman555]

Thank you.... Murf I'll give you a call on Monday and lets see when we can get it in the shop.

 

[mtkreitz]

I second the expansion valve. Mine went about 6 mo ago and symptoms were the same. AC blows cold for a bit after startup (after sitting for a while) and then completely stops working. I bought everything from www.coolstreamac.com in Tucson, they were good to work with.

Pulled out the evaporator, replaced the expansion valve, o-rings, schrader valves, dryer and put oil back into the system. Had Murf charge the system and boom... COLD A/C. Well worth doing yourself, probably a to job.

 

[mrhustle23]

Do you monitor your coolant temps while driving? Is it possible the coolant temp reached to 222 deg and caused the AC to shut off?

 

[mattman555]

Do you monitor your coolant temps while driving? Is it possible the coolant temp reached to 222 deg and caused the AC to shut off?

Great suggestion, I did not check it during the trip and I thought of that afterwards.

However I had it out tonight, about 630-730, it was in the garage all day and the AC was not working well, so I'd assume its not an overheat. But tomorrow I will hook up the OBDC and ensure its not overheating.

 

[mrhustle23]

Great suggestion, I did not check it during the trip and I thought of that afterwards.

However I had it out tonight, about 630-730, it was in the garage all day and the AC was not working well, so I'd assume its not an overheat. But tomorrow I will hook up the OBDC and ensure its not overheating.

Sounds good. I know with mine, I have overheating issues, so I constantly monitor my temp. I know exactly when my AC is about to go out.

 

[mattman555]

Sounds good. I know with mine, I have overheating issues, so I constantly monitor my temp. I know exactly when my AC is about to go out.

I ran it down to Camelback Toyota today... from Arrow Head Mall to 16st/Camelback. AC was cool, engine temp max at 195.

Murf and the boys a Camelback Toyota got to work and found a blockage in condenser. So its getting replaced, being my fzj80 is 20 years old I popped for the expansion value, and what the heck the evaporator too, which was showing is age and was stuffed up.

 

[oilbrnr]

Not to hijack this thread, but how hard is it to replace the fan motor? Mine is starting to give the sintered bronze bearing squeal.

 

[mattman555]

-- Update --
I brought it to Camelback Toyota, Murf and the boys found a blockage in the evaporator. They replaced Evaporator, dryer, and flushed/cleaned the system. Based on the advice here, I choose to have the expander replaced as its a 20 year old part. In doing so I asked them to inspect the condenser too. Condenser was about 50%+ blocked and really showing its age. Instead of just cleaning it I choose to replace it.

Today -- AC Blowing ICE Cold, Air Flow better than ever

How do I know its working better --- Its the first time I've ever heard from the middle row seats that -- the air is blowing too cold! Also, while riding home yesterday in Rush hour traffic 107+ out and I had to turn the fan down a notch as it was easily keeping up.

Here are some pics of the condenser. Question Now is -- I wonder if I can setup a filter for my condenser?

 

[splitshot]

Pressure washer does wonders cleaning the junk out of sound fins (emphasize sound). I have dimwits at work who curl a loader bucket back too far and dump half the load into the radiator and oil cooler.

 

[mattman555]

Hey Splitshot! Thanks for the comment. Have you used a pressure washer on a condenser before? I know with home AC units on the evap you should not as it can bend up the fins. I believe most suggest a light pressure water via a hose to clean.