T1N AC, why does it struggle at temps above 90?

[cahaak]

I have a 2006 passenger, glass all around (do have some good 3M window film on it). Up to about 95 degrees I can use only the front AC cool off the whole van, so something is wrong with your system. You need to have it completely evacuated and recharged and then run and they need to go by the pressure chart with temp that is in the service manual to make sure that it is operating properly. If it is operating properly, it will do a good job cooling off the van, especially with the divider that you have. If you do not have some good window films on the front side windows, I would highly recommend it. Get something with a high TSER - it does not have to be that dark.

Chris

[Dingo]

Originally Posted by shortshort

After several cups of tea I'm the one needing a leak detector. Just sayin...

Thats an age thing

[Type2Teach]

Originally Posted by cahaak

they need to go by the pressure chart with temp that is in the service manual to make sure that it is operating properly.
Chris

Can anyone point me in the direction of this AC pressure chart?
Thanks!

[cahaak]

The chart is in the AC plumbing section of the service manual, available from links here on the forum. The manual itself is about 40 MB and I'm not sure how to copy just one page. It is page 24-49 of the 2005 service manual and should be in a similar place in the 2006 manual.

Chris

[Dougflas]

Also make sure your condenser, radiator, and charge air cooler are clean and free of insects.

[Gulf SV]

Here's the plumbing section of the 06 service manual.

HVAC_06.pdf

One thing I have not read yet is whether you had the freon level rechecked. Remember, there is a reason the freon leaked off in the first place. It could be as simple as that. As was mentioned, you do not need a Sprinter service tech to maintain the system. There is absolutely nothing special to deal with.

If you don't trust your shop, find one you do. I would be surprised if they didn't add in or suggest a dye pack to monitor for leaks. And replacing the dryer is generally a good maintenance decision.

When I bought my van, the AC did not work. We (they) found a rotting radiator and replaced it. To save many dollars, I salvaged the hoses (one is OEM only and $$$). System was charged, dye added for future diagnostics, and outlet temp was measured at 45°F (MB recommended). That was two years ago, and the system still drives me out if I don't regulate.

Good luck. We're in our third week of +90° temps and tomorrow's forecast is 102°. Happy to have my AC.

[Type2Teach]

Originally Posted by cahaak

The chart is in the AC plumbing section of the service manual, available from links here on the forum.
Chris

I tried to download it yesterday and the link didn't work.

[cahaak]

Joel,

Page 24-65 in the posting above by Kevin is the pressure chart. That data should help the AC tech get the charge right.

Chris

[Dingo]

Take the grill out & spray bike chain degreaser over both rads , leave for 30 mins to work its magic . Then wash off using only a hosepipe from behind forwards . Bike cleaner will not affect alloys or plastics/ rubbers . Do not use a pressure washer as you will most likely blow through the rads .

Oily crud & formerly flying insects form a lovely crusty coating on the rad fronts blocking off the air flow , I am aware of one soul who has fitted a black net material behind his cars grill to catch this ****e . This is changed twice a year as he does very high milages each year 120,000 miles +

[Boater]

Originally Posted by Dingo

Take the grill out & spray bike chain degreaser over both rads , leave for 30 mins to work its magic . Then wash off using only a hosepipe from behind forwards . Bike cleaner will not affect alloys or plastics/ rubbers . Do not use a pressure washer as you will most likely blow through the rads .

Muck Off!

I mean, good idea I always have some of the above brand bike cleaner around, I'll get onto that once I have the radiator off!