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Old 06-09-2012, 11:22 AM
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If your low side pressure is dipping down to 15 psi you don`t have enough freon. 15 psi on the low side = ~15 degrees so the evaporator would freeze up which is why the pressure switch is turning the clutch off every 10 seconds. You want about 28-30 psi on the low side which would = 33-35 degree discharge temps. I`m not sure how the VA cycling switches work but on the GM ones you can adjust them so that they won`t cut out until 19-21 psi so that the compressor doesn`t need to cycle much (that will let it get down to ~24 degree freon temps at the orfice tube but because of the inefficiency of heat transfer between the freon to the evaporator metal the outside of the evaporator usually stays just above 32 degrees and doesn`t freeze up.)
Old 06-09-2012, 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by G-Body
If your low side pressure is dipping down to 15 psi you don`t have enough freon. 15 psi on the low side = ~15 degrees so the evaporator would freeze up which is why the pressure switch is turning the clutch off every 10 seconds. You want about 28-30 psi on the low side which would = 33-35 degree discharge temps. I`m not sure how the VA cycling switches work but on the GM ones you can adjust them so that they won`t cut out until 19-21 psi so that the compressor doesn`t need to cycle much (that will let it get down to ~24 degree freon temps at the orfice tube but because of the inefficiency of heat transfer between the freon to the evaporator metal the outside of the evaporator usually stays just above 32 degrees and doesn`t freeze up.)
Your information is not accurate for a VA system. They are designed to run at 6-18psi on the low side.
Old 06-09-2012, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Hodge
did you get it working?
I spoke with a VA engineer before I left for Power Tour. Based on our conversation, he felt the system was working correctly on the cooling side and that either my temp readings at the vent were not accurate or there was something wrong with the blend door causing the air to heat up after passing through the evaporator. So I left it as is and took it on Power Tour.

I ordered a digital temp probe to do some more accurate testing this weekend.
Old 06-11-2012, 01:27 PM
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I guess it might not be for the VA system, I haven`t ever worked on one of their systems. I can`t figure out how they made it work with that low of pressure though, in that part of the freon 134a pressure/temp curve it should be turning the evaporator core into a block of ice unless they found a way to eliminate the moisture in the air before it hits the core.

Oh well as long as you were able to get the A/C working well.
Old 06-11-2012, 01:31 PM
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Their low side cut off is a temp probe inserted into the evaporator coils. When the system is in max cool and evap coil hits 34F, ECU shuts off compressor.

Checked out everything again with the new thermometer and the vent temps are where they should be. Going to focus some on potential air leaks and more insulation on the trans tunnel.
Old 06-11-2012, 04:39 PM
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My 68 corvette convertible with VA has more leaks than Obamas White House last week. Used to be the tunnel and footwells make the hot asphalt feel good on my feet after an hour drive. The VA unit blows really cold and makes the car tolerable on even 100 degree days.
I was looking on corvetteforum and found a couple references to units shipped with incorrectly installed thermometers. Dont know if that's your issue but worth a check.
Old 06-11-2012, 05:03 PM
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We replaced the thermometer on mine. Its definitely tolerable on a hot day. I just wouldn't call it ice box cold, which is what I was hoping for in such a small truck cab
Old 06-12-2012, 03:34 AM
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Is the heater control valve installed properly and functioning? It's directional.
Old 06-12-2012, 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by garys 68
Is the heater control valve installed properly and functioning? It's directional.
Yes it is directional. It is installed correctly and functioning as it should.

The first vent thermometer I was using was apparently not very good. The digital unit I picked up is showing vent temps around 46F. It warms up a few degrees once I get out on the highway, thats why I am looking into cab air leaks
Old 06-15-2012, 12:38 PM
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ive been having similar problems with my VA system. It cycles on and off. im using the factory 6.0 compressor so i dont know if thats my issue. I am thinking of putting a test light on the compressor wire to see if the evap is shutting it off or the Trinary switch. I dont want a perm. jumper but i will if that means i have a colder car.
Old 06-15-2012, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 74novacustom
ive been having similar problems with my VA system. It cycles on and off. im using the factory 6.0 compressor so i dont know if thats my issue. I am thinking of putting a test light on the compressor wire to see if the evap is shutting it off or the Trinary switch. I dont want a perm. jumper but i will if that means i have a colder car.
Well if the system is working correctly then it is cycling because the evap is getting to 34F. Installing a jumper will only work for a few minutes because the evap core will start freezing up.



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