sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

So my A/c in my Camaro decided to quit blowing cold air. Hooked up some gauges on both low and high side. Low is reading about 165 high side reading about 225. Seems to me maybe the orfice tube is clogged and pressure is building?? I also checked the compressor it's clicking on and I can verify the belt is turning and operating properly.

Any thoughts before I take it to a shop??

Car has 72k miles BTW. I have no idea what has been replaced, only owned for about 8 months now.

Thanks.

peterpar

Here's a troubleshooting chart for Insufficient AC Cooling. It may help make sense of the pressure readings your getting and what may be causing them.

RockinWs6

I'd say the compressor is toast.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I dont think the compressor is toast or you damn sure wouldnt have 225psi. I agree it sounds like a clog. Orifice tube is easy to check.

RockinWs6

Compressor................. seen this many times before, the by pass valve inside is screwed. The low side reading so too high. If the Orifice tube was blocked the low side would be below 0 and the high side would bee over 400.
But hell it only takes a few mins to check the tube, Look at that 1st. I still think you will need a compressor or repair it.

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

Checking the orfice tube....is this where it's located? How do I go about checking this tube? I've never messed with AC work so this is a first for me.
Thx

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

Thx. Is this as simple as unbolting and pulling out the tube? Is it relatively straight forward in process?

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Yep, its right there, probably need some needle nose pliers but thats it

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

I may give that a shot and check it. If it looks good then it could be compressor as stated in the thread. Thanks!

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Definitely could be the compressor, Ive never had one fail in that way but if someone else has then i guess its possible. Im definitely no ac expert, just been stuck fixing em whether i want to or not. You know how that goes.

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

Yeah I totally understand. This is my first real ac issue I've ever had on any of my cars so my first learning experience as well. I'm the type to check easy obvious stuff first as sometimes that fixes the issue. Then dive deeper and pay a professional to fix if I'm not capable or don't trust myself. Right now the weather is getting nicer so I'm in no huge hurry at the moment.

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

Update for those wondering. My compressor was completely frozen up not working. Replaced compressor along with the drier and orfice tube. Blows ice cold now.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Sweet. AC is a nice thing to have!

RockinWs6

My compressor is starting to do same thing, low pressure is in the 50-60 range then it will pull down to 30-35 and work then back up to 60. Its time to change it out. Got a 155k on it.

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

Yep most likely. Nice to have with summer on the way

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Glad i chunked mine in the bushes!!! My AC never works LMAO

RockinWs6

I gotta have ac, I'm old and tired.

sscamaroburn02

iTrader: (14)

Try living in Houston during summer months DD it. I went thru July-Septmeber and never again will I be caught without AC. I don't care how much it costs.

RockinWs6

I drove across Texas once back in the early 1970's, hottest place on earth Texas is!