AC blows cold but not that cold.

[Eddo Rogue]

Many summers ago I resurrected my AC as per tech article here. However, I only replaced the compressor, orifice tube, and o rings. It was ice cold for about a year until the compressor crapped out. It was a cheapo big box store brand. I replaced the compressor with something (hopefully) better, my HVAC buddy handled the vacuum/refrigerant part of it, and it worked again....Although now it doesn't blow very cold. I'm wondering if it's because I did not replace the orifice tube the 2nd time? I heard to replace it every time the system is opened.

Also I noticed it does blow cooler at highways speeds, but not exactly cold. Maybe time for a new condenser as well?

 

[Shran]

May just be low on refrigerant. If you let it sit and idle with the AC on does the compressor kick on and run for quite a while or does it cycle on/off often?

I don't think you MUST replace the orifice tube, if it's clean when you inspect it, it's probably fine. But they are like a buck or two so cheap insurance. The drier/accumulator is the part that is usually a necessity to replace.

Wouldn't worry too much about the condenser unless a lot of the fins are folded over. Check to make sure you don't have a bunch of leaves and crap stuck between it and the radiator... that can somewhat affect things if heat can't escape out of it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Typically after a compressor failure... office tube and accumulator... system flush at a minimum.

Clutch cycle times are a key indicator of level of charge. If it cycles quick on a hot day it's most likely low.

I also look at evaporator Inlet vs. Outlet Temps. The inlet pipe and outlet pipe should be exactly the same temp with the system full. You can check it simply by just touching them with your finger tips. The human body is pretty sensitive.

So if the outlet is warmer then the inlet... system is a bit low.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

May just be low on refrigerant. If you let it sit and idle with the AC on does the compressor kick on and run for quite a while or does it cycle on/off often?

I don't think you MUST replace the orifice tube, if it's clean when you inspect it, it's probably fine. But they are like a buck or two so cheap insurance. The drier/accumulator is the part that is usually a necessity to replace.

Wouldn't worry too much about the condenser unless a lot of the fins are folded over. Check to make sure you don't have a bunch of leaves and crap stuck between it and the radiator... that can somewhat affect things if heat can't escape out of it.

Pretty sure refrigerant is good. My HVAC buddy had the gauges and all that...it doesn't kick on or off. It works pretty normal just blows cool not cold, a little better at speed but not much. Fins look good, it's pretty clean in there. The radiator is shiny and new too.