Troubleshooting ac performance on this 80

[HemiAlex]

I’ve gone through and gotten everything as perfect as I can on paper. Low high of 40/300, all new components by denso.

Added a spal pusher fan on a controller, 30k cst fluid in the blue clutch and I can’t get it below 72* at idle on these 95* days.

At night, I can get it down idling to 55° and 87° temps with no radiant heat.

At any cruise it goes down to 55*.

I’m suspecting weak compressor performance, a faulty expansion valve or a generic low quality radiator rejecting heat. I’ve got an oem heater control valve coming in to rule out a bypass or leak at that. It’s a 3 year old aftermarket.

It’s got a Murray radiator and they have horrible reviews. It doesn’t scream overheating but I’m also learning a lot about core designs and how even normal radiators can be inefficient.

Considering doing an oem or Koyorad radiator to rule out a bad aftermarket radiator causing issues.

What am I missing? Do I need to tame my ecxpectations?

 

[tmxmotorsports]

300 is high. Not enough air moving through the condenser or compressor on its last leg could have some contamination in the system. You said you have replaced everything with new denso ? What is everything?

 

[HemiAlex]

Condenser, evaporater, expansion valve, drier, compressor. All denso parts except the evaporater

 

[HemiAlex]

I just misted the hose across the condenser at idle. No other changes. 58* vent temps and 175* engine temps. It’s 100* today outside.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Condenser, evaporater, expansion valve, drier, compressor. All denso parts except the

Condenser, evaporater, expansion valve, drier, compressor. All denso parts except the evaporater

Damn

 

[HemiAlex]

Yep. I don’t know much about ac stuff, but I’ll learn.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Yep. I don’t know much about ac stuff, but I’ll learn.

You said you replaced the evaporator then you say you didn't? Have you checked it for obstructions? You just got this 80 correct? Was the ac working? Sometimes when a compressor goes bad it can put a bunch of junk in the system.? Are you reading the correct numbers on the gauges?

 

[MrMacdugal]

How much PAG oil do you have in there? Sometimes you get too much PAG oil in there and it coats the lines too much. Do and oil recovery if you can and put back in a bit less than recommended.
Too much oil in the system could be keeping flow of freon to a minimum or keeping the expansion valve from reaching its maximum potential.

 

[HemiAlex]

You said you replaced the evaporator then you say you didn't? Have you checked it for obstructions? You just got this 80 correct? Was the ac working? Sometimes when a compressor goes bad it can put a bunch of junk in the system.? Are you reading the correct numbers on the gauges?

Evap is new and clean. Was owned by a friend who did all the work.

Ac was working, but had a bad high pressure switch that I replaced. That got all of it working way better.

Not saying the compressor can’t be bad. For sure it could but it’s worked before this.

I’m reading the gauges transparently but I want to get my own set now as well as a vacuum pump.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

A vacuum was pulled tho?

 

[HemiAlex]

A vacuum was pulled tho?

Yes. Held for 24 mins and didn’t leak.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

How long was the vacuum pulled

 

[bhsdriller]

Don't tame your expectations it can be better. 100+ ambient here and vent temps are around 50 at idle

 

[landcruisertx]

I have had the same issues, just about everything has been replaced. Also have added an electric fan tied into the pressure switch. Not getting cool enough unless I get on the highway or am parked in the garage. I understand these old rigs can get heat-soaked however I feel like the AC can get quite a bit cooler.

 

[landcruisertx]

Don't tame your expectations it can be better. 100+ ambient here and vent temps are around 50 at idle

Are you running a front bumper or stock?

 

[bhsdriller]

Are you running a front bumper or stock?

Trail Gear tube front bumper

 

[Irish Reiver]

Yes. Held for 24 mins and didn’t leak.

When i do the AC on mine, i will pull a vacuum and lock the system down to check for leaks. I typically leave it for 30 minutes to make sure it holds.
After that I run the vacuum pump for 3 to 4 hours to make sure all the moisture has boiled off.
There is a very good chance that there is moisture in your system which will not help the cooling performance.

 

[HemiAlex]

Since I've added an OEM radiator from Murray Aftermarket, my AC woes have disappeared. The truck wasn't overheating on the coolant circuit, but it was running hot enough to reject the heat from the condenser.