Auto AC condenser condition

[DrDusty86]

Does having clean AC condenser with not bent fins lessen the stress on the AC compressor or does it not really make a difference?
Tips for making the AC compressor system low(er) stressed and last londer?
Can you spray something in the ducting to clean the evaporator?
Dusty

 

[Chris142]

A few bent fins wont hurt anything. But when they are all layed over from a pressure washer that wont work.

 

[DrDusty86]

Does that stress the compressor if they are bent. I saw a truck with 1/3 of the fins smashed and wondered.

Is it hard on compressors/clutches to run at higher rpms? Say if the car redlines at 6500rpm but runs down the highway at 75mph 4k rpms. Would slowing down to say 65mph make the compressors job easier?

 

[Gabe]

I don't think that would put any more stress on the compressor. It might have to cycle on a little more but no additional stresses.

 

[spag1]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
Does that stress the compressor if they are bent. I saw a truck with 1/3 of the fins smashed and wondered.


Is it hard on compressors/clutches to run at higher rpms? Say if the car redlines at 6500rpm but runs down the highway at 75mph 4k rpms. Would slowing down to say 65mph make the compressors job easier?


Smashed fins will not hurt the compressor. What can happen in that case is the a/c condenser won't cool the freon as efficiently which will possibly cause it to evacuate out of the system. But I rarely ever encounter that. Usually it won't blow as cool as it's intended. As far as the rpms are concerned, I have never seen an a/c compressor fail from high Rpms. Usually compressors die from years and years of wear and tear, and lack of maintenance. Clutches typically fail from heat more than anything.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: spag1
Usually compressors die from years and years of wear and tear, and lack of maintenance. Clutches typically fail from heat more than anything.


What kind of maintenance can one do on a compressor anyway?

 

[DrDusty86]

JH, took the words right off my keyboard. hhaahha I'm curious as well. Cause, I'm all ears

 

[DrDusty86]

In the case of my car, I had changed out the dryer and condenser as well as 28oz of fresh new freon. What mainence?

 

[spag1]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: spag1
Usually compressors die from years and years of wear and tear, and lack of maintenance. Clutches typically fail from heat more than anything.


What kind of maintenance can one do on a compressor anyway?

Ensuring that the system is not short cycling or blowing warm. Although compressors contain an oil reservoir, oil is also to be added in with the freon. Most older piston compressors like tcci brand will ask for ester oil, but on a rotary compressor like a sanden they will usually request PAG oil. Running the system low on freon from a leak or just plain evaporation can shorten the life of the compressor because the extra element of lubrication is lost. I hope this helps.

 

[DrDusty86]

Spag1,
Are you suggesting a periodic vac and recharge?

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
Spag1,
Are you suggesting a periodic vac and recharge?
we do where I work . Every 60k and it seems to help. The ones we have never touched blow up @100 k or so and the ones I reoil last much longer.

 

[SteveSRT8]

That would explain why my 04 Savana still has the original AC charge at 500k miles?

If properly set up from the factory the AC system is fine for a minimum of 100k miles. There is no evidence that evac and recharge will extend the life of a properly sealed system.

We rarely do AC work anymore during the life of the truck. The only one that has ever had an issue in the fleet is a Silverado that needed a blend door actuator.

 

[spag1]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
Spag1,
Are you suggesting a periodic vac and recharge?

Yes precisely. Sorry folks my mind was tired as I had a long day that day.

 

[spag1]

Keep in mind there's no exact interval for vac and re charge. Its my choice because I have unlimited access to resources. If you don't have easy access to an a/c machine, I recommend getting an a/c manifold gauge from harbor freight tools. They're pretty cheap.