AC Help

[chobes]

I have a 1999 Montana (92,000 miles), From what I have read I am pretty luck to have had AC in my van for as long as I have. Well, My AC just stopped as well. Don't see any oily wet spot on any of the hoses or anywhere around the condensor. When I turn on the AC the compressor runs constantly and won't cycle like it use to. I tried to add some 134a to the system but the system would not take it. (the can never got cold). Have yet to measure the pressures, not sure what they should be though, any help? The compressor is making a ratteling noise and I am able to spin the clutch freely when AC is not engaged, I am thinking that the compressor is going. How much would a new one cost.

I also had a problem with the Van getting very sluggish so did a tune up(Plugs, wires, PCV, Air filter, Oil and filter, Fuel filter). Is there an easier way to get at the rear plugs? I tilted motor forward and was able to get the Coil packs out of the way, this way I could get to plugs from over the top of motor instead of from the side. Car is running great now. Gas milage is back up and everything.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Chobes

[cdru]

Originally Posted by chobes

I have a 1999 Montana (92,000 miles), From what I have read I am pretty luck to have had AC in my van for as long as I have. Well, My AC just stopped as well. Don't see any oily wet spot on any of the hoses or anywhere around the condensor. When I turn on the AC the compressor runs constantly and won't cycle like it use to. I tried to add some 134a to the system but the system would not take it. (the can never got cold). Have yet to measure the pressures, not sure what they should be though, any help? The compressor is making a ratteling noise and I am able to spin the clutch freely when AC is not engaged, I am thinking that the compressor is going. How much would a new one cost.

The rattling noises definitely isn't good. The fact that it wouldn't take an additional charge and that the compressor does run would indicate that you don't have a leak in the system. The compressor won't run if the system is below a certain level. It's possible though that you could have overcharged it though. The best advice is to take it into a shop to take a look at it if you are not properly equipped to repair the system.

Is there an easier way to get at the rear plugs? I tilted motor forward and was able to get the Coil packs out of the way, this way I could get to plugs from over the top of motor instead of from the side.

Taking off the intake manifold and/or the heads makes it very easy to get to the spark plugs. Of course there is significant work to get to that point though. Removing the coil pack and rolling the engine forward like you did is the preferred method. Some have said they have changed the plugs from the wheel well in conjunction from reaching up from under the engine. I have big arms and fat hands so that method doesn't work well for me.

[chobes]

Thanks CDRU.

Just to clear something up. I didn't recharge the system, so I don't think the system is overcharged. I tried to put one can in to see if the compressor would start cycling again. but the system would not accept it.

Thanks for the info.

Chobes