Indy 1-800-Radiator & AC

07/30/2024

This is so crazy!

12/10/2019

Very interesting article on accidental overcharges of a/c systems due to machines not pulling all the refrigerant out of the system.

https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/hvac/overcharging-ac-systems/

06/21/2019

Stabilizing the System

Before making any evaluation of a system it is important to "stabilize" the system.

Once the manifold gauge set has been installed and the manifold gauges purged of air, the system is now ready for testing.
The system should be run for a few minutes as described below, in order to stabilize the manifold gauges.
A. Check that ALL gauge hoses and tools are away from engine moving parts and electrical terminals.
B. Switch on the AC to full cold and full "recirc". Set fan to max speed.
C. Open all doors and windows to allow interior of the vehicle to quickly reach ambient temperature.
D. Set Electric thermometer into the outlet louvers.
E. Set portable electric fan in front of the radiator and condenser.
F. Operate like this for 5-10 minutes before taking readings.

06/20/2019

Cleaning The System
Whenever a system stops working and the compressor has "locked up" it is very likely that particles of metal have been distributed throughout the system. It is vital that this dirty oil and powder be removed from the system completely before replacing parts.
If the vehicle is fitted with a micro-bore parallel flow condenser it must be removed. Similarly, the receiver drier or the accumulator drier should be removed.
The system can then be flushed with the vehicle manufacturers recommended flushing medium. The use of non compatible flushing solvents may damage the system seals and residues may interact with the system lubricant.
It is best to use a specially designed flushing machine with a selection of fittings to attach the forward and reverse pipes. The system sections should be flushed in the reverse direction to normal flow.
Solvent-based flushes should be removed by evacuating the system at a minimum of 29.9 in Hg for at least 45 minutes. Oil-based flushes cannot be complexly removed therefore it is vital that the flush is totally compatible with the refrigerant oil that will be used in the system.
A new condenser and drier should be used to replace the ones removed as they cannot be adequately cleaned. Faulty system parts should then be replaced. New seals used where old seals have been disturbed.

07/10/2018

Have you replaced a condenser for leaks on any 2014+ Chevy/GM/Cadillac truck etc? Apparently your customer could get reimbursed through GM. Also on the 2014-2015 models make sure to add a bracket #23264893 and updated hose #23438932 to the A/C lines going into the condenser to prevent a repeat failure, see TSB PIT5331 for more information.

General Motors (GM) has extended the warranty coverage on some model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles that may experience cracked combination transmission fluid oil and AC condenser coolers.

08/10/2017

Never use compressed "shop" air to leak or pressure test an A/C System. Under certain conditions, pressurized mixtures of R134a and air are combustible. In addition shop air will inject excess moisture into the system causing inevitable compressor failure.

06/21/2017

Very good article about thermocycling from the wonderful people at Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS)

Radiator leaks are nothing new, and some technicians may initially blame a faulty part, poor construction or shoddy workmanship during installation when a leaker shows up in their bay, particularly…

06/01/2017

Tip of the Week... Did you know that Most clutches fail due to low voltage which causes them to slip and create extreme heat. If the clutch face is discolored that is possibly the case. You may also see some epoxy from the coil windings that may be there as well. To see if this is the problem, start the vehicle and turn all of the accessories on. With a volt meter check the voltage to the clutch and make sure it's to the manufacture's specifications. If the voltage is all right then there is a problem with high head pressure.

05/11/2017

COMPRESSOR INSTALLATION TIPS

1. Remove compressor, receiver/drier or accumulator, or***ce tube or expansion valve.
2. Check Compressor Clutch Air Gap Before Installation--- The air gap is preset at the factory; however, it is a good practice to double check it before mounting the unit. Incorrect
air gap will cause poor performance or noisy operation. Air
gap specs are on the instruction sheet. Check the gap at three points around the clutch.
3. Flush the condenser and evaporator using the flush provided in the kit. On expansion valve systems THE VALVE MUST BE REMOVED before the evaporator can be flushed. Flush condensers from the outlet to the inlet and evaporators from the inlet to the outlet. TIP: Newer style condenser designs are impossible to flush. It is highly recommended that if the compressor has had a major failure the condenser must be replaced.
4. Drain all the oil from the new compressor and dispose of it in accordance to state federal and local ordinances. NOTE: If your compressor has a drain plug you will need to open it up and drain what oil is in there in addition. The oil that was in the new compressor is to protect it from corrosion on its way to the end user and should not be used in the ac system.
5. Pour half of the oil charge into the new compressor and the remainder throughout the system. Use the oil provided with the ac kit, if there is any confusion as to the amount required or type of oil please refer to OE manufacturer instructions or call us. Turn the compressor shaft 8-10 full revolutions to insure the front seal and other internal parts are lubricated. Failure to do so can cause the seals to leak after charging or even worse, lock up the compressor.
6. Install the new receiver/drier or accumulator and new or***ce tube or expansion valve. If inline filters are provided in the kit, locate and install/replace those too.
7. Evacuate the A/C system for at least 45 minutes. This is necessary because any air in the ac system cannot be compressed and will destroy the compressor in time if not immediately.
8. After evacuation install half the refrigerant charge and let the system set for 1 minute. This will allow the refrigerant time to pick up the oil and spread it out evenly throughout the system.
9. Start the engine with the A/C controls on MAX AIR with the doors and windows open.
10. Add the remaining charge of refrigerant as called for by the manufacturer.
11. Watch the pressures and make sure that there are no restrictions (low side going into vacuum or high side skyrocketing.) Additionally it would be helpful to observe the system cycling on and off to verify the cycling switches are in working order, but depending on the type of compressor (variable or fixed) it might not be possible to observe that under normal conditions.

05/11/2017

BEFORE YOU MOUNT ANY COMPRESSOR YOU SHOULD---

1. Check ohms on coil- Needs to measure between 3 and 5 ohms

2. Manually rotate compressor while holding palm over discharge port. You should feel the compressor building pressure. The exception being Scroll style compressors, they can only build pressure at high speeds.

3. Check Compressor Clutch Air Gap Before Installation-should be between .016" to .028"-- The air gap is preset at the factory; HOWEVER, it just makes sense to double check it before mounting the unit. Incorrect air gap will cause poor performance or noisy operation. Check the gap at three points around the clutch. If gap is not even just tap it lightly on the high spots with a hammer to even it out. Certain compressor clutch styles with recessed clutch plates cannot be checked.

4. Last apply 12-13 volts to the clutch coil, you can use a spare car battery or a battery charger that supplies >5 amps.. Please make sure to apply voltage in the correct orientation. If there is a diode in the circuit you could ruin it by connecting the wires wrong!! Usually pin 1 or the white or red wire or wire with a white stripe is positive.

If the clutch engages you are set to install the compressor!!

03/15/2017

https://youtu.be/R3a3CaWsQ2I