Weird A/C problem

[Zap]

The weather what it is, I'm curious if anyone has some thoughts on this rather odd A/C problem. We had the system checked and it was quite low, so topped off the R134a, and it blows ICE COLD. Problem is that it only runs about 10-15 minutes, before it just kicks out and stops.

We checked the clutch gap, and it appears within the specs in the service manual. So I don't think that the gap is the issue. Is this a sign of a failing clutch and/or coil? How difficult is it to replace the assembly if we use a lift?

The only other thing I've come across is a CCRM problem, but my understanding is that is usually when it won't turn on at all. Can the CCRM cause intermittent failure like this?

Thanks!

 

[projectSHO89]

Sigh...

Which vehicle?

What are the system pressures at failure?

What is the actual measure clutch gap?

EATC or manual control?

 

[Zap]

I guess I didn't specify, this is the '94 with EATC. I cannot remember the clutch gap offhand, as it was a few weeks ago now, but I do recall checking the service manual and it was within the specified range.

As for pressures - the system was completely evacuated, vacuumed, and recharged by weight. I have not checked the pressures since, but it ran properly and was in the correct range when it was charged. I do have a set of gauges, if that would be the first place to start?

 

[rubydist]

classic symptoms of too wide of clutch gap - will engage fine when cold, but after all is hot, it won't pull in.

re-evaluate the clutch gap and most likely need to pull the thinner shim out.

 

[Zap]

classic symptoms of too wide of clutch gap - will engage fine when cold, but after all is hot, it won't pull in.

re-evaluate the clutch gap and most likely need to pull the thinner shim out.

Thanks for the confirmation that the symptoms do mirror this - If I was thinking it would require a clutch replacement anyway, it's worth a shot. Hopefully I can get a chance to check the gap soon, and pull the shim. Is there a possibility I will need a different shim to adjust to the correct tolerance? Is it possible to purchase them, if so?

 

[Zap]

Well, it took me WAY too long to get around to this, but I finally did it (as well as fixing an oil pressure sender that had started profusely leaking oil).

It is much easier to go from the top, as the SHOTimes write-up describes. When at the shop on the lift we were looking from the bottom.

I pulled the smaller shim, reassembled, and checked the gap. It was still within clearance, so everything looked good. During our test drive, the air was ice cold the entire time

Thanks a bunch! Now I need to deal with the fact that the V8 is losing charge... but at least one of the cars has working A/C again.