So, finally got around to replacing the condenser on the car - AC was working, but not as much cooling as I would like - like 45 deg F out of the center vents on recirc , fan 2, for 10 minutes, 1500 RPM, no direct sunlight - I suspect the charge was a little low after 13 years.
Now.... replaced the condenser (bent from a long-ago racoon hit, and the lower fins were pretty much gone after 13 years of highway speeds, but not leaking), charged with 600g R134a, and the vent temps are good, but the compressor is cycling once the cabin is down to acceptable temps. For those interested, replacement is a Denso unit from RockAuto - fitment was OK - some slight bending of the inlet/outlet tubes was required, but otherwise fits fine. Didn't pop under the 250PSI high side pressures yesterday.
When the clutch kicks off, the vent temps rise... until the compressor kicks in again and the temps drop.
If I put the HVAC van on 3, the low side pressures stay a little higher and the cycling is reduced but not eliminated.
Electric fan works fine on high and low.
Looking at you Oilhammer - this is the only B5 I've had, no basis for comparison
Is it normal for this VDOT system to have the compressor cycle in normal operation?
Ambients are near 90 deg F up here this week - I expect that the cycling will get worse once the more normal 80-85 deg weather comes back.
Now.... replaced the condenser (bent from a long-ago racoon hit, and the lower fins were pretty much gone after 13 years of highway speeds, but not leaking), charged with 600g R134a, and the vent temps are good, but the compressor is cycling once the cabin is down to acceptable temps. For those interested, replacement is a Denso unit from RockAuto - fitment was OK - some slight bending of the inlet/outlet tubes was required, but otherwise fits fine. Didn't pop under the 250PSI high side pressures yesterday.
When the clutch kicks off, the vent temps rise... until the compressor kicks in again and the temps drop.
If I put the HVAC van on 3, the low side pressures stay a little higher and the cycling is reduced but not eliminated.
Electric fan works fine on high and low.
Looking at you Oilhammer - this is the only B5 I've had, no basis for comparison
Is it normal for this VDOT system to have the compressor cycle in normal operation?
Ambients are near 90 deg F up here this week - I expect that the cycling will get worse once the more normal 80-85 deg weather comes back.
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