What the heck?

[Vexy]

Is this normal for the compressor to do this? When the compressor kicks in the a/c is ice cold, then when it kicks out it is noticibly warmer. Also, my coolant level has slowly been going down and when I warm my truck up in the morning with the defrost, I smell maple syrup. (Coolant leak?)
Any help would be appreciated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muYk9p2EMWk&feature=youtu.be

 

[4.0B2]

your ac will warm up slightly when the compressor is not pumping, but not much... your Freon is probably low.

 

[Vexy]

your ac will warm up slightly when the compressor is not pumping, but not much... your Freon is probably low.

But should the compressor be cycling every 10 seconds? That can't be good for it.

 

[rtg143]

If it's cycling often, it's low on freon. 10 seconds isn't real often though. The maple syrup smell may be the heater core leaking.

 

[Vexy]

If it's cycling often, it's low on freon. 10 seconds isn't real often though. The maple syrup smell may be the heater core leaking.

The smell is only outside, not in the cabin. I think that may rule out the heater core.

Also, the smell only happens when the engine is cold. When I got home from work today I turned on the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. No smell, no visible leaks or wet spots. This sure is a thinker...

 

[4.0B2]

But should the compressor be cycling every 10 seconds? That can't be good for it.

yep. freon is low.

 

[Vexy]

yep. freon is low.

Okay so I need some 134a this spring...

Now I just need to figure out the whole maple syrup mystery. I would get a leak tester if they didn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

[4.0B2]

search for wet... check the passenger floorboard. is your coolant low? take your time, find the source of the smell. does it look like its leaking around the heater core hoses? it may be leaking down the firewall... leak may not be inside at all. search it out. its an annoying process that has to be done.

 

[Vexy]

search for wet... check the passenger floorboard. is your coolant low? take your time, find the source of the smell. does it look like its leaking around the heater core hoses? it may be leaking down the firewall... leak may not be inside at all. search it out. its an annoying process that has to be done.

Yep my coolant is lower than it was a few months ago. I'll have to take a look tomorrow morning when I warm her up, seeing as that is the only time I smell maple syrup. Also, I am thinking is is most likely not my heater core since my passenger floorboard is bone dry, and I don't smell it when I am inside. Thanks B2

 

[Vexy]

Well I looked this morning and it is leaking around the heater control valve. I recently replaced it so it is probably just going to need a hose clamp for a better seal.