Next problem... A/C not engaging?

RemarkLima · September 15, 2007, 01:29:09 PM

Hey all,

Next one

The ol\' AC has stopped. I don\'t know if we\'ve disturbed something while pulling the rad out and such like but not when I switch on the AC the fans come on and the idle drops (due to load from the fans I guess), but it doesn\'t sound like the compressor is engaging?

Does it have a low pressure switch to stop it trying to run? Or is it something else?

I\'ve tried it on all fan speeds and just the same, and I\'ve not got an apexi ECU so doesn\'t seem to be that... Any ideas???

Spartacus · September 15, 2007, 08:00:03 PM

There is a low pressure switch on the passenger side chassis rail towards the front, just follow the AC lines along and you will come to it.

RemarkLima · September 15, 2007, 08:03:13 PM

I think I know where that is, pretty much underneath the battery tray IIRC?

Had to get by it enough getting that fecking Koyo rad in

I\'ll check it\'s in securely... Or is there a way to check if the system has low pressure?

Spartacus · September 15, 2007, 08:21:57 PM

Yep that’s it, I think you could jumper the sensor, and then see if the clutch engages (as a test).

ozzyvelcro · September 15, 2007, 08:24:18 PM

Hi Mark
Its probably low on gas which will prevent the compressor from running, you can give me a call in the morning if you like and i can run you through what to check.

Regards Danny

B9 KLF · September 15, 2007, 08:29:46 PM

hmm, interesting post. Mine dosnt engage either but then there is no gas at all since the rebuild. Keen to hear what the basic ckecks are Danny.

Keith

ozzyvelcro · September 15, 2007, 09:16:16 PM

If the a/c has suddenly stopped working its usually low on gas, you can jump the pressure switch and see if the clutch engages while checking the sight glass on the drier (right hand side of the i/c).
If it stays clear then its probably out of gas,if it bubbles then goes clear then it should have the the correct amount of gas, but there might be problems elsewhere if the clutch wont engage without the jumper.

Hope that makes sense this is only a rough guide as its not quite as simple as that hence the offer of a call.

Regards Danny

RemarkLima · September 16, 2007, 12:07:44 AM

Cheers Sparticus, Danny,

So I just stick a paper clip on the sensor under the battery? Nothing to do with my nan\'s knitting!!!

I\'ve got a feeling it\'s low on gas and I have a leak somewhere if thats the case, when it arrived I had no AC gas at all, got it regassed a few months back and then done a long run from Cheddar to Essex with the AC on all the way and it seemed to get less and less "powerful" IYSWIM.

Then I\'m sure I spotted a leak around the gearbox / engine area, but that\'s now stopped and the AC no longer works.

How hard are leaks to find? I think I\'ll hand over to someone who know\'s about AC for that however

P.S. Off to see my sister and new wee child thing in Cambridge tomorrow so may be leaving a little early, but will let you know

Thanks for the kind offer tho\'!

ozzyvelcro · September 16, 2007, 12:17:13 AM

Your welcome to pop in on your way back and i can put some gauges on and check for you, you know where i am;)

RemarkLima · September 16, 2007, 09:33:17 AM

Cheers dude! Very much appreciated, but I don\'t think I do know where you are in Essex-land???

Unless I\'ve forgotten! (highly likely!)

Plus it\'s the do we take the Figaro or the RX7 as I\'m still not 100% if the RX7 will make it!

ozzyvelcro · September 16, 2007, 11:47:58 AM

Does clacton ring any bells lol:spank

RemarkLima · September 16, 2007, 11:58:54 AM

Spank deserved!!! Oops! It was a wee while ago now

*removes foot from mouth*

Ahh, the first RX7 I saw properly, many thanks for that! I think it did convert me after the seasons racing was over it was definately time for a change, all for the better

Hope you\'re well mate and I may just have to pop up one weekend if you fancy taking a look? Any excuse! I take it your car is still running well?

ozzyvelcro · September 16, 2007, 12:13:12 PM

All is well mate the car died from the dreaded water seals last year,but i\'ve since had another engine installed it just needs mapping now.
Ive got all the gear to recharge the gas so just give me a shout if you need it done. dfisheraircon@aol.com

Cheers Danny

RemarkLima · September 16, 2007, 12:24:47 PM

Think mine\'s not long for the dreaded water seals as well, I\'ve managed to do a temp fix, if I\'m lucky but time will tell. It just gives me enough time to find another engine and get it all sorted.

If the engine is OK I\'ll head on up

Cheers!