VAPIR 3-S A/C SYSTEM

TROUBLESHOOTING

Below are the most common things that can cause this new a/c system to not perform as it should. Please check each one and then call us if your issue is not resolved. We are here to help.

QUICK LINKS

COOL AT IDLE BUT WARMER WHEN RAISING ENGINE RPM'S

Make sure the water valve is positioned correctly. The water valve is a directional valve and should be installed with the arrow pointing towards the water pump. If the water valve is connected to the incorrect hose, it allows water to circulate through the system via the heater core overpowering the cooling effect of the a/c coil.

STEP 1: Check placement of the water valve, all Restomod Air systems REQUIRE the water valve in the return line going to the water pump, correct if needed. In some cases, changing the location of the water valve may not fix the above problem because the internal water valve has been damaged.

STEP 2: If changing the location of the water valve does not rectify the issue the possibly the water valve is permanently damaged and may need to be replaced. To check the integrity of the water valve, completely remove the water hoses for the heater core and loop together (this will remove the heater system completely from the possibilities.) If the system now cools, replace the water valve.

STEP 3: Verify adequate air flow to condenser. For air conditioning systems to function properly, there has to be adequate air flow across the condenser. The function of the condenser is to dissipate heat. Without proper air flow, your system will not cool correctly.

TESTING AIR FLOW TO CONDENSER:

  • • Place a piece of paper on the condenser with the car in idle and see if the paper is held in place.

  • • With the car in idle, attach gauges and place a large capacity fan in front of the condenser. What happens to the pressures?

  • • With car still in idle and gauges attached, pour water down the front of the condenser. What happens to the pressures? If the paper is held in place, you are at least getting some air flow. If the high side decreases during test 2 & 3, then your condenser is not getting enough air which is causing your system to not cool properly. To correct this issue, you will need a more powerful mechanical fan.

STEP 4: Confirm correct refrigerant charge in system. All of our systems should be charged with 24 oz. or 1.8lbs of R134 refrigerant only. If overcharged, you will need to evacuate the system and recharge with the correct amount.

HEAD PRESSURES TOO LOW OR TOO HIGH

What measurements mean:

  • • Low temp and high pressure seem to be equal: you have a malfunctioning expansion valve that is stuck open.

  • • High side is extremely high and low side is low: there is a blockage in the system. Remove hoses and blow compressed air through in both directions. If pressures don’t change, it is possible your expansion valve is stuck closed and needs to be replaced.

Check that the system has exactly 24 oz. or refrigerant. Too high of a reading may indicate too much refrigerant or inadequate air flow on condenser. Too low is generally under charged.

FLUSHING A CONTAMINATED SYSTEM

If a seized or damaged compressor is to be replaced, inspecting of discharge hose interior is advised. On inspecting the interior of the discharge hose, if particles or silvers of aluminum are found, flushing of the system is required including a new drier filter.

We recommend flushing individual components or system sections with refrigerant R134a, this refrigerant should be collected via a recovering machine and can be used again. Components or tube connections will have to be used and flushing carried outwit the refrigerant in liquid form i.e. the decanting cylinder turned upside down. Failure to flush a contaminated system will lead to a blockage in the condenser filter drier or TX valve and possibly cause compressor damage. After finishing, flushing, blowing the system with dry nitrogen is recommended.

A/C SYSTEM EMITS UNPLEASANT ODORS

Under certain conditions, molds and bacteria (normally present in the air) may form on the surface of the evaporator core causing an unpleasant odor inside the vehicle.

  • • Use an antibacterial product to treat the evaporator

  • • Advise the customer to turn off the system a few minutes before shutting off the vehicle, leaving the blower fan running (this will dry the evaporator core from the moisture that encourages bacteria growth)

INCORRECT REFRIGERANT AMOUNT OR INCONDENSABLE GASES/MOISTURE IN THE A/C SYSTEM

1. Incorrect refrigerant amount (30-35% more or 70-75% less) = recover refrigerant from the system

2. Contaminated refrigerant = filter saturated with moisture

3. Filter saturated with moisture = evacuate the incondensable gases and moisture from the system. Run the vacuum pump for at least 30 minutes

4. Check the vacuum seal using a pressure gauge tool

5. Restore the recommended amount of refrigerant to the system as well as any oil recovered together with the refrigerant

THE DISCHARGED AIR OUT THE HEATER DUCTS IS ALWAYS COLD

Check the operation of the water valve. If the water valve is not opening, the water from the motor is not passing through the heater core. Also check to make sure the motors thermostat is installed and operating correctly.

ICE ON THE EVAPORATOR CORE

This may occur even after a few minuted of operation causing a progressive drop in the air flow at the vents. For valves equipped with automatic control (ECC), go to self diagnostic or software control.

CAUSE

SOLUTION

Malfunction by the thermostat or “no frost” probe (if present)

Make sure the electrical connection of the thermostat or of the “no frost” probe is in good condition and that the sensor is properly positioned. Replace any defective parts as needed.

Malfunction by the blower fan

With the system running, at least the first ventilation speed must work. Otherwise, make sure the electrical system is properly connected.

Compressor displacement regulator valve is defective (only for variable displacement compressors)

Check the operator of the compressor displacement regulator valve.