A/C Compressor Draining Too Much HP
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Manila, Philippines
W124 200D 90'
A/C Compressor Draining Too Much HP
Hello,
I drive a W124 200D with a 76HP OM601 Engine with 4SPD Manual.
Some observations are:
1) The A/C is very adequately cold when it is night/raining (read: cool) and struggles to keep the cabin cold when it is hot midday (which is around 35c in my country). This is normal at first glance but the variance in temperature that the A/C is capable of depending on the ambient temp outside seems abnormal.
2) I know my engine is very low powered, and that any engine will have more power to give when it is not being burdened by an A/C compressor, but I have noticed that the available torque/power when the aircon is off is WAY more than when it is on. It almost feels like a different car altogether.
3) When the car has been running for a while during the day and it is quite heatsoaked, (even though block temp is 80c) sometimes the engine will not rev over 1000rpm when the aircon is on. AS IN to get the car to start moving I have to first turn off the aircon then turn it back on once I'm up to speed.
This is clearly an issue with the conditioning system draining power and I suspect is the reason why my serpentine belts keep snapping? Perhaps putting up too much resistance on the belt?
Any advice from more experienced enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated as I am a 22year old student and this is my first car.
Thank you from the Philippines,
Luis
I drive a W124 200D with a 76HP OM601 Engine with 4SPD Manual.
Some observations are:
1) The A/C is very adequately cold when it is night/raining (read: cool) and struggles to keep the cabin cold when it is hot midday (which is around 35c in my country). This is normal at first glance but the variance in temperature that the A/C is capable of depending on the ambient temp outside seems abnormal.
2) I know my engine is very low powered, and that any engine will have more power to give when it is not being burdened by an A/C compressor, but I have noticed that the available torque/power when the aircon is off is WAY more than when it is on. It almost feels like a different car altogether.
3) When the car has been running for a while during the day and it is quite heatsoaked, (even though block temp is 80c) sometimes the engine will not rev over 1000rpm when the aircon is on. AS IN to get the car to start moving I have to first turn off the aircon then turn it back on once I'm up to speed.
This is clearly an issue with the conditioning system draining power and I suspect is the reason why my serpentine belts keep snapping? Perhaps putting up too much resistance on the belt?
Any advice from more experienced enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated as I am a 22year old student and this is my first car.
Thank you from the Philippines,
Luis
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: So. Cal.
97R129-01W163-94E320-93500E
Luis, your problem is with your A/C system. Even a lesser HP car can run an ac without problem. It appears that your compressor is seizing or there's a blockage in the system. Have your A/C system checked by a pro.
