Is my AC cold enough?

[demarpaint]

I'd be happy with those temperatures.

 

[Jonas]

I'd be happy with those temperatures.

I was sweating when it went up to 55 degrees at the vent. It's about 82 in the cabin, 95 outside.

 

[demarpaint]

I was sweating when it went up to 55 degrees at the vent. It's about 82 in the cabin, 95 outside.

55 at the vent is not good, I can see why you'd be sweating. I went through that last summer with my 88 E-150. I had two leaks, one at the high side Schrader valve and the other at an O-ring in a line in front of the condenser. I addressed both issues, replaced the receiver drier, pulled vacuum and weighed the charge. It is blowing nice and cold now.

 

[Chris142]

I added som refrigerant and it got colder at idle, but shut off when I started driving. I'm pretty sure it's full.

Overcharged.

 

[Jonas]

Overcharged.

Yes, I let some out until it started working again. Maybe still over charged?

 

[mightymousetech]

Yes, I let some out until it started working again. Maybe still over charged?

You are supposed to weigh the amount of refrigerant being charged. Most likely why it is not working properly.

 

[Jonas]

You are supposed to weigh the amount of refrigerant being charged. Most likely why it is not working properly.

Yes I suppose I'll start over and charge it myself. My mechanic said it wasn't very cold when he serviced it but he didn't know why. I don't know exactly what he did but he may not have done it right

 

[Chris142]

You are supposed to weigh the amount of refrigerant being charged. Most likely why it is not working properly.

Yep. It's nearly impossible to to add to an existing charge and get it right. Even with both gauges.

 

[Jonas]

Yep. It's nearly impossible to to add to an existing charge and get it right. Even with both gauges.

I've noticed haha. Definitely going to use a scale this time.

 

[Jonas]

One more thing. Should I add some oil or not? That's the only thing I get mixed opinions on. I know how to do everything else.

 

[Chris142]

One more thing. Should I add some oil or not? That's the only thing I get mixed opinions on. I know how to do everything else.

I would an ounce or 2

 

[Jonas]

My refrigerant capacity range is 14.4 oz minimum to 16.64 oz maximum. Should I put in just under the maximum amount?

 

[mightymousetech]

My refrigerant capacity range is 14.4 oz minimum to 16.64 oz maximum. Should I put in just under the maximum amount?

Yup.

 

[ejes]

Yes I suppose I'll start over and charge it myself. My mechanic said it wasn't very cold when he serviced it but he didn't know why. I don't know exactly what he did but he may not have done it right

You need a new mechanic...

 

[khittner1]

When you park it, leave the windows cracked a bit to reduce the heat build-up that the A/C then has to overcome. Obviously, don't leave anything of value in the car, but I wouldn't imagine a 12yr.-old Vibe is a big theft target itself.

 

[Duffyjr]

@Jonas, do you use a sun shield when your car sits outside? Really makes a difference.

 

[Eddie]

AC are usually tested at 1,500 rpm but, that appears pretty good to me. Ed

 

[SatinSilver]

You need a new mechanic...

I think it's his brother in law from previous threads.

 

[demarpaint]

Yep. It's nearly impossible to to add to an existing charge and get it right. Even with both gauges.

Exactly. If you really want it done right weigh the charge, otherwise it's a crap shoot at best.

 

[Jonas]

You need a new mechanic...

I think it's his brother in law from previous threads.

No, it's a different guy in town.