Every since installing my Vortech, I noticed that my A/C doesn't get as cold or get colder as fast as it used to. And with summer right around the corner, I want my cold air. I already have wrapped the visible A/C lines with foam. What else could I do to make it colder? Upgrade the radiator? Is this a common problem with cars with front mounted FI units like Turbonetics ST?

 

I live in FL and I have underdrive pulley's and my A/C is fine even with the Turbonetics kit.

JET

 

First and cheapest, look at all the connections on the high and low side connections, a leak will have oil around the leak and dirt sticking to the oil, especially at the drier on the high side. Go to the auto parts store and get a cheap can of 134A with a charging hose, about 10 bucks. The quick disconnect will only connect to the low side. Have the engine running and turn on the A/C and connect the can to the system and start adding refrigerant. Add a little at a time until the air feels cold enough to you. If you add too much it will start getting warmer as the pressure will be too high.

You will know it taking refrigerant because the can will start getting cold. You need to also make sure the A/c condenser is clean and that your elecrtic fans are working ok. If the system is low on a charge it will cause the clutch on the A/C compressor to cycle on and off, the suction side has a pressure actuated switch that turns the compressor off when pressure get's too low, it's trying to prevent ice from forming on the evaporator. The first sign of a low charge is the evaporator freezing up.

 

Wow, I have no idea what all this means, but I would do what he said,

 

Make sure you purchase a 134A with a pressure gauge connected to the hose. You dont want to overfill it *BOOM*

 

where is the low side location??
cant find it..

 

under the same cover as the brake master cylinder. The High side is outside the cover.

 

I have experienced some of this too. Only occasionally it will be really cold. The rest of the time is just so so. It used to blow really cold air all the time. I am HKS SC btw. Also notice the condensor cycling on and off (I assume that is what is happening when I hear the sound). However, I have been having some belt tension issues, and it had been 90+F with high humidity lately, so I am unsure if this has an effect.

About how long on average until you need a recharge? My car is an 05, just under 26k miles. Bought it new, never had an AC service.

How much would a shop/dealer charge to recharge the AC?

Is there a test that can be done to see if the refrigerant is low before actually refilling the refrigerant.

 

I too have noticed compressor cycling when the weather is really hot. When stopped at a light it sometimes starts blowing warm air until I start moving again. Once I start moving I can feel the compressor cycling and bursts of really cold air.

I don't think it's pressure related since the air gets so cold when the compressor is actually running...and cycling only occurs in 98+ outside temps.

I think it's heat from the intercooler is getting sucked through the condensor lowering the efficiency...but who knows...

 

This is exactly what I am experiencing. I couldn't have described it any beter.