G
Guest
·Hi JRV,
My first post on y
Hi JRV,
My first post on your superb website.
Inadequate performance of 328 (US model) A/C. System recharged & stem valves replaced 11 months ago at 30K service otherwise all components original (York compressor). Symptoms: minimal cooling at vents noted approximately 1 month ago with clear sight glass. Cold/static/equilibrium pressure 63psi at compressor service fittings. Unsure if this represented “normal” R-12 loss, I partially recharged with 12oz R-12. Cooling improved somewhat & bubbles in sight glass.
Two weeks later sight glass again clear with minimal cooling. Visual inspection of system (condenser/receiver/front compartment hoses) no obvious traces of oil. Did not remove black insulation covering expansion valve. No circumferential oil thrown at compressor clutch. Foolishly thinking system likely discharged I removed a receiver hose fitting & was rewarded with a 5-second blast of refrigerant for my efforts (suggesting however that system *does* hold some pressure). Pulling 27in vacuum slow leakage to 25in over approximately 30min and to 10in overnight.
Thus I suspect I have a static leakage somewhere. Can continue in either of two manners:
1. Attempt to isolate individual components by removing individual hoses & pulling vacuum on “sections” of the system. Probably can remove/pressurize/submerge condenser directly.
2. Introduce a liquid tracer dye & partial charge of HFC blend (Duracool) to system now to (hopefully) identify source of leak.
Are any particular components prone to failure on this series?
Current tools include R-12 gauge set and vacuum pump. Unfortunately do not own a Freon leak detector (yet) nor facilities to pressurize with nitrogen. Also intend on replacing receiver while I have the opportunity (any proper replacements or should I purchase from Ferrari UK?). Finally, are the A/C system o-rings unique in any way?
As always, your & others advice much appreciated.
Carl
My first post on y
Hi JRV,
My first post on your superb website.
Inadequate performance of 328 (US model) A/C. System recharged & stem valves replaced 11 months ago at 30K service otherwise all components original (York compressor). Symptoms: minimal cooling at vents noted approximately 1 month ago with clear sight glass. Cold/static/equilibrium pressure 63psi at compressor service fittings. Unsure if this represented “normal” R-12 loss, I partially recharged with 12oz R-12. Cooling improved somewhat & bubbles in sight glass.
Two weeks later sight glass again clear with minimal cooling. Visual inspection of system (condenser/receiver/front compartment hoses) no obvious traces of oil. Did not remove black insulation covering expansion valve. No circumferential oil thrown at compressor clutch. Foolishly thinking system likely discharged I removed a receiver hose fitting & was rewarded with a 5-second blast of refrigerant for my efforts (suggesting however that system *does* hold some pressure). Pulling 27in vacuum slow leakage to 25in over approximately 30min and to 10in overnight.
Thus I suspect I have a static leakage somewhere. Can continue in either of two manners:
1. Attempt to isolate individual components by removing individual hoses & pulling vacuum on “sections” of the system. Probably can remove/pressurize/submerge condenser directly.
2. Introduce a liquid tracer dye & partial charge of HFC blend (Duracool) to system now to (hopefully) identify source of leak.
Are any particular components prone to failure on this series?
Current tools include R-12 gauge set and vacuum pump. Unfortunately do not own a Freon leak detector (yet) nor facilities to pressurize with nitrogen. Also intend on replacing receiver while I have the opportunity (any proper replacements or should I purchase from Ferrari UK?). Finally, are the A/C system o-rings unique in any way?
As always, your & others advice much appreciated.
