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A/C compressor question

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 4:04 am
by 1-3-2-4
With the A/C turned on how long should the compressor clutch cycle on and off?

Long story short my system was not blowing cold air.. so with the engine running and A/C on I added some 134a with that I noticed the cycling of the compressor was shorter.. before it was about every 10 seconds to every 5 seconds now... however the air coming from the vents are much cooler.

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 5:25 am
by Legacy777
What year Legacy? What model AC system/compressor? Calsonic or Zexal?

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 9:38 am
by 1-3-2-4
it's a 95 legacy L wagon as for the AC compressor I think it's Zexal I'd have to check when it's a bit more light out

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 4:14 pm
by Legacy777
The cycling depends on a few things, including heat load (temperature of the air coming in), and the fan speed. Does the compressor still cycle every 5 seconds if you turn the fan on full blast?

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 4:51 pm
by 1-3-2-4
Well I haVe not tried lower fan settings but on high it does.

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 6:52 pm
by ericem
Could be normal. The A/C is temperature controlled. Are you sure you did not overfill it? I remember with my 93 legacy I overfilled it and the pump was extremely difficult to turn.

Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:59 am
by Legacy777
You may have an incorrect charge. You really need to see what the pressures are doing. You may see if a shop or friend has a set of AC gauges that they could check the pressures.

Re: A/C compressor question

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 7:59 am
by crazyracer
I'm having the exact same problem. I thought the system was low, so I bought some r134a to charge it. The system wasn't blowing very cold, but the pressure was around 40psi on the low side. The compressor was short cycling, about ever 10secs it would kick on for a few seconds. I added more r134a (up to 47psi for 85 degree ambient temp). Now it short cycles every 4 seconds. I stopped using the ac for fear it would smoke the clutch and pump.

If it was charged correctly to begin with, why would it short cycle and not blow (very) cold? I am thinking there is a small blockage in the system, perhaps a small screen or orifice that needs to be cleaned out. Anyone know about potential blockage points?

I have the 1999 Legacy Wagon L with the 2.2, all stock, 5spd

Re: A/C compressor question

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:11 am
by 1-3-2-4
your ac uses a TXV and not an oriffice tube

Re: A/C compressor question

Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 6:54 pm
by jaybirde508
common issues for subarus tx/V & reciver/drier,well the only issues as far as hoses ,condensor & evaporator <Lines