air-conditioner gas recharged... compressor now only works intermittently

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:34 pm

Got my gas recharged and it seemed to be much better to begin with.

It does seem to work until something on my air-con starts to squeal, then the air-con is very weak.

I wonder if it's a problem with just a belt, a pulley or the condensor itself.

90brumby · Post by **90brumby** » Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:05 pm

if they have over charged the air con gas it will work for a short time then cut out on over pressure and then cut back in after the gas pressure lowers or if the belt is loose it will cause a squeal and while slipping it will make the compressor turn slower making the air con less efficient

hope that makes some sense

tristan

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:49 am

Definately a loose belt. I would drive back and get them to check, also tell them about the intermittent issue. I suspect it's cutting in and out because the belt is loose and the sensor is picking up different RPM than the engine is really doing. You could tighten the belt yourself but really need to know the correct tension otherwise you could were out you idler pulley bearing prematurely. Also get them to make sure the inner belt is tight.. I see so many loose

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Tue Jan 24, 2012 5:00 pm

Is the noise actually a squealing fan-belt type of noise? In my dad's L there is a weird squealing noise if you turn the A/C button on when the engine is cold on a cold morning but it isn't a belt noise. It's a very strange howling sort of noise that goes away shortly. And recently his air con goes warm until you press the A/C off and on again, then goes cold again.

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Fri Jan 27, 2012 9:49 pm

My a/c compressor or condensor only stays engaged when the engine is at idle.

A slight engine load and the compressor squeals loud.
So my A/C is basically useless now.
Worse than before when it was weak but reliable.

I have no idea how to check the belt tension on the inner belt.

The sound is like a belt rubbing.
I see the compressor wheel spin, until it squeals, then the squealing makes it stop spinning and stop making cold air.

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:05 pm

RSR 555 wrote:Definately a loose belt. I would drive back and get them to check, also tell them about the intermittent issue. I suspect it's cutting in and out because the belt is loose and the sensor is picking up different RPM than the engine is really doing. You could tighten the belt yourself but really need to know the correct tension otherwise you could were out you idler pulley bearing prematurely. Also get them to make sure the inner belt is tight.. I see so many loose

Have you done this yet? The longer you leave it the harder it will be to convince them they didnt do it properly...

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 8:56 pm

Belt slipping or compressor clutch slipping?

Is the compressor seizing if the clutch is slipping?

Smash1911 · Post by **Smash1911** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 10:25 am

If they have overcharged the system it is possible too much liquid refrigerant is getting to the compressor causing it to hydraulic, causing your belt to slip. The over pressure in the system might be then causing the pressure sensor cut the compressor out. Just a guess

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:43 pm

Smash1911 wrote:If they have overcharged the system it is possible too much liquid refrigerant is getting to the compressor causing it to hydraulic, causing your belt to slip. The over pressure in the system might be then causing the pressure sensor cut the compressor out. Just a guess

Or there's crap in the system and the compressor is chewing on this and thus damaging itself. That'd be the worst case scenario.

Cheers

Bennie

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 8:31 am

^^ Ouch! I'll call up the shop soon.

I had a poke around the engine and it seems the inner V-belt is slacker than the outer one.
Is that probably the reason I'm having A/C difficulties?

Post by **Alex** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:07 am

2nd Hand Yank wrote:^^ Ouch! I'll call up the shop soon.

I had a poke around the engine and it seems the inner V-belt is slacker than the outer one.
Is that probably the reason I'm having A/C difficulties?

yes its definately loose.

do yourself a favour and buy a service manual for a l-series if you havent already and read up how to tighten the belt. Its extremely easy.

you should have a maximum of about 10mm slack when you press down on the belt.

alex

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Wed Feb 01, 2012 9:59 pm

Be worthwhile checking it has the right belt...not just length, but profile.

Better still, replace both belts, and keep the old ones as spares - guessing the belts have not been changed since you bought it.

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Fri Feb 03, 2012 12:27 am

I just did a test today...

My condensor stays on at low rpm + low engine load.

Examples:

- 70 km/h in 5th on a flat road
- 50 km/h in 4th on a flat road
- 30 km/h in 3rd on a flat road

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Fri Feb 03, 2012 5:51 am

2nd Hand Yank wrote:I just did a test today...

My condensor stays on at low rpm + low engine load.

Examples:

- 70 km/h in 5th on a flat road
- 50 km/h in 4th on a flat road
- 30 km/h in 3rd on a flat road

...and the belts as most responders have advised?

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 3:59 pm

2nd Hand Yank wrote:^^ Ouch! I'll call up the shop soon.

I had a poke around the engine and it seems the inner V-belt is slacker than the outer one.
Is that probably the reason I'm having A/C difficulties?

Most likely IMO. I would check their condition and replace if needed.

2nd Hand Yank wrote:I just did a test today...

My condensor stays on at low rpm + low engine load.

Examples:

- 70 km/h in 5th on a flat road
- 50 km/h in 4th on a flat road
- 30 km/h in 3rd on a flat road

I'm guessing you mean compressor. Low RPM or load wont really show you much. It's how hard the A/C is having to work to keep the inside cool. I would definately tighten the belts or replace as mentioned.

If buying new belts, just ensure you are getting the correct sizes. Don't always go off the old ones, as the previous owner may not have. There is 2 different sets available for the L.Series... with or without powersteering.

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:28 pm

RSR 555 wrote:Most likely IMO. I would check their condition and replace if needed.

I'm guessing you mean compressor. Low RPM or load wont really show you much. It's how hard the A/C is having to work to keep the inside cool. I would definately tighten the belts or replace as mentioned.

If buying new belts, just ensure you are getting the correct sizes. Don't always go off the old ones, as the previous owner may not have. There is 2 different sets available for the L.Series... with or without powersteering.

Yes I meant compressor.
My A/C won't work at all... unless there is low RPM + low load.
It squeals like hell before quiting when it isn't low load + low RPM.

SuperCheap says
"...there is only one belt for an L Series..."
Same with other parts stores.
I have never seen a "set" for sale for my car.
Where can I find this "set?"

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:09 am

2nd Hand Yank wrote:Yes I meant compressor.
My A/C won't work at all... unless there is low RPM + low load.
It squeals like hell before quiting when it isn't low load + low RPM.

SuperCheap says
"...there is only one belt for an L Series..."
Same with other parts stores.
I have never seen a "set" for sale for my car.
Where can I find this "set?"

The best piece of advise I can ever give you is.. NEVER believe what supercheap say

Most of the time they employ 16yo kids who have never worked on cars.

There is actually 4 "sets" available for the L.Series (EA82) model.
1. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 without A/C and without P/Str
2. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 without A/C and with P/Str
3. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 with A/C and without P/Str
4. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 with A/C and P/Str

When I say "set" I'm talking about the 2 front belts for the accessories (not the Timing Belts). You wont find a "set" at any store because most places sell them individually because they sell them for all models/manufactures.

I can't remember if your car comes with or without powersteering?

Let me know and I'll advise you what belts you require.

Post by **Alex** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:01 am

For gods sakes just tighten the belt!!

Sent from my HTC Velocity 4G using Tapatalk

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:33 pm

RSR 555 wrote:The best piece of advise I can ever give you is.. NEVER believe what supercheap say Most of the time they employ 16yo kids who have never worked on cars.

There is actually 4 "sets" available for the L.Series (EA82) model.
1. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 without A/C and without P/Str
2. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 without A/C and with P/Str
3. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 with A/C and without P/Str
4. Inner and Outer Belt for EA82 with A/C and P/Str

When I say "set" I'm talking about the 2 front belts for the accessories (not the Timing Belts). You wont find a "set" at any store because most places sell them individually because they sell them for all models/manufactures.

I can't remember if your car comes with or without powersteering?

Let me know and I'll advise you what belts you require.

Thanks.

EA82 with A/C and Power Steering.

My current one has the second belt mounted with the "teeth" outside, not gripping anything. I think this is odd. Unless this is just flexible spaces every 4mm or so. Jules (Toonga) already helped me replace the front-most belt back in September.

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:33 pm

Alex wrote:For gods sakes just tighten the belt!!

Sent from my HTC Velocity 4G using Tapatalk

I have a Gregories Manual and it says nothing about how to tighten the belts.