Runs hot while running the A/C

[Guest Anonymous]

I only run the AC if it's really hot, but when I do the heat gage gets up to the 2 o'clock postition and I end up turning it off fearing it may rise even more. Most of the time it's down around the 4 o'clock position up to the 3 o'clock spot if it's really hot (above 95*) if I don't run the AC. I would like to be able to use it and feel like if I can't then I should take the compressor out and shave the weight. The radiator is a 2002 turbo radiator and was pulled out and recored last year. Does the hole drilling trick in the thermostat really work? Any suggestions?

[cj]

Is you aux. fan working properly?

Cris

[Guest Anonymous]

Aux fan? I'm intrigued. Tell me more.

[Timbo]

depending on how it's wired in can either run continuosly or have a thermostat wired in to the circuit. Other options include installing a 5 blade tropical fan for your radiator (or an electric one with thermostat) or switching the thermostat itself for another - from memory there are 3 alternatives 80' was standard, then there's a 75' and even a 71'. I've got a standard radiator and fan and have never overheated - temp goes up to a 1/4 inch below red and stays put.

[Brandon]

I've had the same issue with my 02 with the Behr system in the past and I put in a 70 degree thermostat. It helped a bit, though not as much as I would have liked. My car still runs about 3/4 the way up the temp gauge while hot out with the a/c on...it doesn't fluctuate though even when stopped at a light or something, so I feel I'm safe...Be sure your electric radiator fan works. I've seen the fuse get corroded for the fan and then it stops running. With the Behr system (not sure about Fridgeking or Clardy a/c systems) the electric a/c fan is wired to stay on perminately once the a/c is switched on. With the a/c on look through the front kidney grill and see if it's spinning.

[Emyers]

I have a Clardy in my 74 02. The Aux fan is wired to the compressor clutch power lead from the relay, so the fan only runs when the compressor kick in. I am running a brass early style (1977) 320i rad. Here in Huntsville AL the temps last week in the afternoons were reaching the century mark, the air worked great and the temp guage was running about a needle width above the three o'clock position. Engine oil temp never gets above 180 degrees.

Earl Myers

74 2002Lux

02 M Roadster

72 Volvo 1800ES

[cj]

There should be a fan that's mouted in front of the condensor. This set-up pushes air thru the condensor and the radiator.

Cris

[Guest Anonymous]

Thanks for all the good tips. I'm going to take a look and see what I can find.

[Arizona02]

temps are over 150 deg and the high side pressure will get over 300 psi if not cooled. Electric fan should get the positive power from a relay. The compressor clutch wire may not be able to handle the amp load for the fan to run at full speed.

[Guest Anonymous]

I've looked at the auxilary fan and it's not running when I turn on the AC or even when the engine temp gauge gets up to the 3:00 spot.

Since it doesn't seem to be running at all where should I start? I checked the fuses and all are fine.

[jgerry2002]

Run a direct 12V lead into the condenser fan (and ground it of course), if it turns on, its a signal wire from the AC or a relay issue.