L series Aircon woes

[enduro91]

When I first got my L series the air con was so cold that my feet would just about freeze and it would become uncomfortable (outside temp +30Cdeg). The next summer I noted a significant decresse in performance as I recall. The Aircon seems to stop and start in effectiveness, even at higher speed (80km) driving and appears to blow humid air until I turn it off and on again. At a stand still or low speed or stop start city driving the Aircon loses effectiveness entirely. Air Con gas was replaced even though the guy said "it didn't need it" and replaced it anyway, he could offer no other suggestions for performeance. Also the compressor(?) was also replaced. No additional performance or effectiveness was noted. Is is likely that this is an electrical or mechanical problem? Anyone able to provide tehir opinion or had a silimar experience? Please post away.

[nipper]

When I first got my L series the air con was so cold that my feet would just about freeze and it would become uncomfortable (outside temp +30Cdeg). The next summer I noted a significant decresse in performance as I recall. The Aircon seems to stop and start in effectiveness, even at higher speed (80km) driving and appears to blow humid air until I turn it off and on again. At a stand still or low speed or stop start city driving the Aircon loses effectiveness entirely. Air Con gas was replaced even though the guy said "it didn't need it" and replaced it anyway, he could offer no other suggestions for performeance. Also the compressor(?) was also replaced. No additional performance or effectiveness was noted. Is is likely that this is an electrical or mechanical problem? Anyone able to provide tehir opinion or had a silimar experience? Please post away.

 

First off run to someplace that knows what they are doing. Rarely does a subaru, or even a car in the last 10 years need a new compressor.

There are a couple of reasons for what you are seeing. My first guess would have been a leaky O ring, my second would be a bad pressure switch. You can tell if the AC is on by looking at the compressor. The front of the AC pully will spin when its engaged, and wont when its not engaged. On some subarus if they run hot, the AC will cut out untill the cool down. What is your temp gauge reading. Also what year and how many miles are on the car.

 

nipper

[enduro91]

Its a 1991 Lseries.

Odometer = 285K

 

Engine does not run hot before the aircon cuts out and stays within the normal 1/3 area.

 

However on a really hot day with the air con running the temp gauge will go up into the top 1/3 area which is "pretty normal". I have never had overheating issues with this vehicle.

 

I'll check to see if the comressor is spinning tomorrow. If I recall it does appear to have a clutch mechanism of some sort.

[Tiny Clark]

Unfortunately, you have an R12 freon system. If it needs charging, it will be expensive.

 

Most compressors have a pressure switch that will turn them off if the pressure in the system isn't up to snuff.

 

Maybe you can find someone to put some stop leak in it, then refill it.

 

Best bet may be to convert the system to R134.

[nipper]

Its a 1991 Lseries.

Odometer = 285K

 

Engine does not run hot before the aircon cuts out and stays within the normal 1/3 area.

 

However on a really hot day with the air con running the temp gauge will go up into the top 1/3 area which is "pretty normal". I have never had overheating issues with this vehicle.

 

I'll check to see if the comressor is spinning tomorrow. If I recall it does appear to have a clutch mechanism of some sort.

The top 1/3 is running hot. It should be in the middle of the gauge, so i would start looking there. i know my 97 AC cuts out when it gets that high.

I bet you have a cloged radiator. I had the same issues in an 1988 GL (180,000 miles) and i replaced the radiator and it solved the issue, also my 97 (160,000 miles) would run run hot like yours, again it was clogged raditaor.

 

I would look at the radiator.

 

nipper