Lotus Elan Central

by **Fubar1764** » Sat 15.04.2006, 20:28

Yesterday, I recharged my R12 to see ascertain a leak. I turned on the motor and then the compressor to suck the rest of the R12 out of the can. All was good.
Then, I switched the compressor off by flipping the a/c switch to off. The motor sputtered a little, then died. I have the same thing that happesn to our Lexus SC400 (Toyota Soarer GT 4.0).
Any stabs as to why this is happening?

by **Doc Fizzix** » Sat 15.04.2006, 22:24

When you say "die" what exactly do you mean? The compressor was not engaging? Or the compressor was engaging but the system was not blowing cool air? Or are you talking about the fan motor inside the car? I have had problems with all these and can give you suggestions on all.

by **Doug** » Sat 15.04.2006, 23:03

I think he means when he turned off the console AC switch, the engine revs went down, the engine sputtered, and then the engine shut off . . .

by **Fubar1764** » Sun 16.04.2006, 00:07

Yeah. That's a good definition of "die." Engine goes **cough, cough** followed by *zzzzzzzz**. :wink:

by **Doc Fizzix** » Sun 16.04.2006, 02:15

Fubar1764 wrote:Yeah. That's a good definition of "die." Engine goes **cough, cough** followed by *zzzzzzzz**.

Ok, for the answer you must first change your Avatar, your current one always scares me :lol:

Actually, I have no expeiance with turing off the AC and the car dies, strange, sorry.

by **rob** » Sun 16.04.2006, 17:34

It sounds like the clutch is sticking on the compressor. If you dont use the AC too often this may be the problem.

If it happens when you switch on the AC then I would say the system is over charged.

by **Sy V** » Mon 17.04.2006, 06:14

by **Fubar1764** » Mon 17.04.2006, 06:55

How odd that this happens to my Lexus as well. I haven't used the a/c for months as it's been pleasant out. But alas, the Texas summers are back in full swing, and we'll have 100 degree + weather in a few short months. :evil:

No overfill as there are plenty of bubbles in the viewing glass. My father-in-law (aka "Super-genius") and I found the leak at the soldered part next to the viewing glass. So, I think I'll have to replace the whole unit (the thing that the R12 fluid collects in). Is there a cross-reference to this part?

by **rob** » Mon 17.04.2006, 09:41

That would be the 'receiver', dont forget a drier aswell.

You should run the AC on all carsat least once a month to keep the oil from turning to keep the rubber seals from drying out, and other parts from seizing :roll:

by **Sy V** » Mon 17.04.2006, 10:06

You can spot the ACU engineer's offerings in this thread, can't you!

by **Fubar1764** » Mon 17.04.2006, 17:03

Thanks Rob, that's good advice!
Cheers, mate!

by **rob** » Mon 17.04.2006, 17:37

Tip No. 13

AC is great if you live in a COLD climate too, the best thing for clearing a misted up screen in the winter.

by **Doug** » Mon 17.04.2006, 18:04

Fubar1764 wrote:I turned on the motor and then the compressor to suck the rest of the R12 out of the can.

this is what sounds weird to me. Rob, is this proper? This could be the cause of overfill. You're only supposed to put in a certian "weight" of the refrigerant--not the most you can get in it!

by **rob** » Mon 17.04.2006, 18:31

Spot on Doug,

this is the most common way of over charging a system.

That said, we have been told that there are bubbles in the sight glass which implies (sp) that the system is under charged.

OR

that the drier is blocked and stopping the refrigerant from flowing correctly.

OR

that the orifice is stuck open and letting too much refrigerant through.

OR

there are non-condensables in the system.

OR..................

As you will know Doug, like other professions refrigeration is not an exact sience :shock:

by **Doug** » Mon 17.04.2006, 18:59

now that's all Jack will need to hear to get him all ruffled up . . . :smt037

by **Fubar1764** » Mon 17.04.2006, 19:59

No one here but us chickens. . . :smt117

The first can was with the compressor turned on. The second can wasn't.
Filling in on the low pressure side and the compressor on, the pressure equalized to 23lbs. Undercharged, right? The sight glass has lots of bubbles but the bubbles happen in cycles. Undercharged, right? The system wouldn't take any more refigerant since the second can of 340g didn't completely empty. . .now sitting in my refigerator awaiting my brother's Lexus to find the leak in his system.

by **rob** » Mon 17.04.2006, 22:23

"the pressure equalized to 23lbs"

may be.......

but the pressure in the system will depend on the ambient temp.

The bubbles coming and going show that the ofifice is opening and closing, which is good. As for showing it is under charged.... NO

Better too little than too much gas in the system.

You should get around 10 deg TD accross the coil.

ie 30 on, and 20 off, all depending on th RH of course.

As i said, not an exact science.

If you call round i will have a look for you :-D

Sounds all okay, just remember to turn it on once a month ;-)

by **Doug** » Tue 18.04.2006, 00:27

Rob wrote:Sounds all okay, just remember to turn it on once a month

ah, that's the song of the married man I hear . . .

by **Ashaman** » Tue 18.04.2006, 19:40

Jack are you using a manifold gauge set? Or just a tap? The gauges are really good to use if you can find someone with a set.

I had to order a new receiver/drier; I just got it from FoxValley, it was reasonably priced, but also a GM part (so it might be available at Autozone for nothing).

The new one came with a new trinary switch calibrated for 134a & had a big label on it stating as much. I am not sure that the R-12 units are still available?

Anyway, normally you should start the first can compressor off. Once pressure equalizes, then you should switch the compressor on (low side only of course!).

If you really need a gauge set & can't find any local let me know...

It does not sound like you are overcharged.

by **Doug** » Wed 19.04.2006, 01:30

Jack, it sounds like time to pass some gas and make some ozone holes. :smt027

Lotus Elan Central

Odd thing when I turn the compressor off. . .

Odd thing when I turn the compressor off. . .

Re: Odd thing when I turn the compressor off. . .

Who is online