Putting a 328 A/C compressor in a Mondial 3.2

What do you mean by the clutch clicks on startup a for a few minutes Jay?

 

Could just be the low pressure switch is turning it off because you don't have enough gas in the system. Have a look at the receiver dryer - there is a spyglass in the top of it . If you can see a lot of bubbles in there then that's probably the issue. Best to take it to someone who can put some guages on it & messure the system pressures.

 

I agree with Iain. Have someone check the freon pressure.

 

The best and simplest thing to do first is to check the a/c pressures as Iain suggested.

If the a/c pressure is low because of low freon, the low pressure switch will cut the compressor in or out. Same deal if there is a blockage in the system or too much 'head pressure'. The a/c high pressure switch will cut the compressor in and out.

It may also be a voltage drop to the compressor clutch. This may cause it to drop in and out like it is.

Check those pressures first mate and see how you go.

 

If its cold as you say, there has to be enough/minimum pressure to give some cooling. Even if you dont have guages, do you have a thermometer? Put that in the center vent, in thee cab, then let us know. Oh, advise as to the ambient/outside temp as well. Your system should cool around at lreast 25 deg F (outside= 80F, inside =55). Even better if you have R12......

 

Jay,

I hope all you need is maybe 1/2 lb of R12. Thats what it sounds like (but cant really say without psi gauge readings, ext ambient temps, etc). The fact you say you do get cool air, is good. That means all the R12 SHOULD not BE GONE, AND THERE IS STILL INTEGRITY IN YOUR SYSTEM . aLL SYSTEMS LEAK SOME REFRIGERANT. bUT BELIEVE IT OR NOT, ANY GAS LEAK LESS THAN ABOUT 2-3 OZ/YEAR IS NOT DETECTABLE AS A LEAK. iT just becomes as "acceptable".......thios falls within the parameters of what is called "detection limits", below which you can not detect it, period.

Bottom line- if you add some R12 and it gets real cold, youre there- be happy unless you loose it within a month or so- then you have a problem. Usual leak sources are O rings.

 

Does anyone know what the pressures should be? I did see where someone said 30psi on the low side and 130 psi on the high pressure side. I also saw someone said they went with about 50 psi (low side) and 150 psi (high side). Do these sound right? I think so, but just checking. Getting ready to check mine as I think I'm a little low. The AC should have been better this past weekend when it was only 85F outside. - Thanks

 

Geeze Johnny didn't you do a search you dumb bunny?? Those numbers are super secret stuff. Just go with it and if it blows cold, good enough. If it blows, too bad.

 

Heya mate,

Stick inbetween 20-30 psi on the low side and 200-250 on the high side.

 

one good rule of thumb is 2.1X ambient temp for the high side max. This is 2.1 X F temp, NOT C temp.

 

Thanks guys! I'll give it a try this weekend.

 

well, its supposed to be a record setting hot weekend for this date. Better get that ac working, or park the car in the shade......

 

Lol.

 

Well I didn't get a chance to work on the AC. It didn't even get into the 70's this weekend. I want to have at least 85F to ensure the AC is really blowing cold air. Next weekend....?

 

Block off the air flow to the condenser from the backside. You can use cardboard or anything that will reduce cooling to the condenser by the fan. This will increase heat in the condenser to give you a better reading in cold weather.

 

Yeah, yeah, yeah, no need to rub it in, Johnny. It was 100 F here in tallahassee this past weekend- FSU orientation-walked the campus in the noon day sun, from one session to the other. one walk was through the entire campus. Dang. Couldnt wait to get back home to S FL where at least it was 95....LOL

Wait till December- my turn to ask you what temps are up there.....

 

Okay, I'll take my lumps.

FYI to those with interest:

I found tow things on my 87 382. First, one needs to close the heater valve fully. Wifey had it open a bit and the cabin was getting nice heated air in it. The indicator LED lights aren't completely accurate as to the valve position. Close the heater valve and no heat! Second thing was the AC was low by about 1/3 LB of freon. I added a bit and it's working much better now. Blowing 55 at idle with 85F outside temp.