Grip Grip

Looks like my AC compressor is toast and has been so since I purchased the car. The lowest I can get the AC temp is mid 60's, which is 30F off from where it needs to be.

Grip Grip

Well, I canceled the A/C compressor just in time, as the issue might just be a faulty TXV instead. Joe overnighted me two different valves to try out. I'll post up once I have some results.

Dr Matt

Anxious to hear how it works. I talked to Joe and am going to order one this winter to put on mine too. Decided that was going to have to come before a sound system.

Grip Grip

At the pace I'm progressing at, you might have yours working first. Maybe I can call you for pointers.

Dr Matt

I sure hope not! Need you to R&D it for me, LOL.

Like I said, it's going to be one of my "winter" projects so I will not see how well it works until next summer. Trying to spend the summer driving the car. Waiting on parts for my fuel system drain setup now so already miss driving the CL after only 2 days.

TwinTurboTim

How did you actually tie into the AC system? What did you use to break the connections?

Grip Grip

You just cut the existing A/C hoses with a box cutter and install "T" fittings. The fittings are high-quality and nice o-rings built in. They are definitely up to the task.

Here are the connectors and solenoid valve that allows you to shut off cabin cooling. Below that is the KC unit.

TwinTurboTim

Alright I want one. Can you send me the details or should I just go on there website?

Grip Grip

Here you go: Joe Kincaid - 505-271-8329

Dr Matt

The website has some info and a couple links to see it in action, but it doesn't list a kit for our cars. I emailed Joe about getting one and he has them even though not listed for our cars.

They are a popular mod on supercharged Fords as you can see from the website. I know they work very well on them and have been around for at least 6 years so it's not a brand new untested technology.

Grip Grip

I tried 3 different valve setups and the Low and High pressures are still acting crazy, so it's time to spend some money. Looks like I'll be changing out the AC Compressor, drier, and condenser. Joe has a contact that should be able to get me all three new for under $300 shipped.

kamilclk430

Awesome info and great write ups

Thanks

s5benzo

$300 is cheap !!! My only advice is make sure it's oem or at least new . At that price I'm thinking it might be a Chinese or reman compressor. As a tech I do not recommend reman ac compressors at all . Specially for your car where swapping parts is not easily done. What are your high and low side pressures after installing this unit. ?

Grip Grip

I never tested the system prior to the install, but the pressures are currently at 65 PSI on the low side, and around 225 PSI on the high side (at idle) in 80F ambient. The vent temp is around 60F.

But when I raise the idle to 1,400 RPM's in the same scenario, the vent temps are frigid and the low pressure drops to 25 PSI and the high pressure goes through the roof (over 325 PSI).

As for the AC Compressor, it's made by GPD and it's not remanufactured.

s5benzo

You could have a restriction in the system , possible freon overcharge , is the condenser in good shape and getting enough airflow? Or is it clogged and resistricted ?Is the fan working properly ? I would hate to see you change these parts with no results . So changing the metering devices was no help?

Grip Grip

With only 2.5 cans the low side was at 60 PSI. When I add more refrigerant, the high side barely responds. Note, these observations are at idle. The fan blows like a tornado and I sprayed out the condensor the best I could.

You are correct. Changing the expansion valves had no positive affect on the KC cooling.

A smart person would visit an AC specialist tomorrow before throwing $300 and hours of labor at the problem. I think I'll see if I can get somone to look at it tomorrow.

s5benzo

Did you pull vacuum on the system ? You could possibly have air in the system which can cause cooling issues. Also if you used freon cans 2.5 cans 30 ounces about 1.8 lbs. How much freon your system calls for with the kc ? It's always best to pull vacuum for at least 30 min on opened system. Air can cause all sorts of issues in ac. Goodluck grip let me know your results

Grip Grip

I pulled 26 lbs of vacuum and held it for and hour the first time, and 40 minutes each after that when I changed out the valves. With the KC setup I'm to add refrigerant until the high pressure reading is 2.8 x ambieant temp. However, the car never reaches the required high pressure reading without the low pressure reading skyrocketing out of control. Thanks.

s5benzo

supposed pull down to 30 in of mercury . Then you let everything sit there for about 5 minutes to see if it loses vacuum at all.

Grip Grip

It's impossible to pull down that far unless you're at sea level in ideal conditions, right?

s5benzo

26" of mercury is not enough vacuum to sufficiently remove air and moisture out of the lines. Should at least 28 , 29-30 is best. You could have a minor leak somewhere at the connections

Grip Grip

In your professional opionion, would a small leak really explain these conditions?

s5benzo

With a leak you would be losing refrigerant and oil which is not good either . Is it causing your issue ? I doubt it. But th issue here is you pulled vacuum down to 26" mercury and at least 28+ is required to remove the moisture and boil lines out as well as remove air. Having air in the ac system really causes it to run inefficiently and moisture can cause freezing in the system or restriction .

Grip Grip

I found a chart that shows the maximum attainable vacuum by altitude. The best I can do here is 28.9". Having only seen 26", I'll guess I'll start looking for the leak. I wasn't able to find an open AC Shop on Saturday, but I'm determined to do that before ordering any equipemnt.

Here's the chart: http://www.anver.com/document/vacuum...20pressure.htm

CobraCommander

I was just commenting to someone that I wished they made the KC for my 05 CL65 since it has been the single best engine performance mod I've made to my 2003 Cobra. When the F150 Lightning concept that had a similar feature, I was stoked when it came out and immediately ordered one...

I first ran just normal coolant through the system to try it out, but when I switched the Cobra over to Evans Cooling NPG+, I also flushed and cleaned the IC system and used it in there as well for even better performance. The battery box IC coolant tank will lightly frost over, in fact...

I am so keeping an eye on this thread!!! Great job!