A/C Archives - Page 2 of 13 - Brake & Front End
Relax – R1234yf Is Not The End Of The World

I attended the Mobile Air Conditioning Society’s 2014 Training Event and Trade Show in New Orleans last month. The main topic of discussion was R1234yf, or “twelve-thirty-four” in A/C lingo. There has been a lot of hype about the changeover to this refrigerant. Don’t panic. The reality is that it is not the “air conditioning apocalypse” some are predicting.

Four Seasons Honored With Most Innovative New Product Award At MACS Show

Four Seasons was recently honored with the “Most Innovative New Product” award for its Deslugger compressor clutch timer during the 2014 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Training Event and Trade Show, held in New Orleans, La.

A/C Diagnostics 101: The Value Of Scanners

Leave it to the manufacturers to take a simple thing like heat and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jungle of wiring, sensors and computer components. HVAC units have come a long way from when I started in the business. Not that I want to dwell on the past, but it might be a good idea to make sure we understand the basics before diving into the problem of today’s systems. I always feel that if I understand a system fully before doing any repair work, I’m more likely to get it right the first time.

Why Oil Balancing Is Critical When Replacing A Compressor

The purpose of oil balancing is to make sure the amount of oil in the A/C system remains at the correct level. The first thing to consider when performing the process is the amount of oil contained in the replacement compressor. This can vary from a full charge of oil (8 oz./236 mL), to a half charge of oil or no oil at all. If oil is contained in the replacement compressor, it will have to be removed and reinstalled in the correct amount to properly balance the system.

A/C Compressors Take A Pounding

The A/C compressor is a pump that compresses and circulates refrigerant within the A/C system. Some have pistons inside while others have rotating vanes on an eccentric or a pair of metal scrolls or spirals around an eccentric. Many late-model vehicles have “variable displacement” compressors that change the piston stroke to increase or decrease the volume of refrigerant flowing through the system. Some of these run continuously instead of cycling on and off like conventional A/C compressors.

MACS Announces 2014 MACS Mobile A/C Update Clinic Topics

Working technicians will be educated on a variety of important service and repair topics when they sign up to attend a 2014 MACS Mobile A/C Update clinic.

Tech Tip: The Hybrid Compressor – Know The Difference

HVAC systems differ from one hybrid to the next, and some systems have used a scroll compressor, which can be powered via a belt when the engine is running, or electrically when the engine is off. Most of the newer hybrids have changed to an inverter compressor, which is a high-voltage electrical motor.

Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Noises, Vibration At Steering Wheel With A/C Switched On

If you receive customer reports on Model 209.372/472 vehicles of a groaning noise and vibration felt in the steering wheel at engine speeds between 800 and 2,000 rpm and with the A/C on, the cause may be the transfer of vibration from the A/C compressor through the high-pressure power steering hose to the steering wheel.

Four Seasons Adds A/C Compressor Installation Video To YouTube Channel

Four Seasons has added its A/C compressor installation video to its YouTube channel in an effort to provide professional technicians with educational opportunities to help maximize their time. The training video provides an overview of the various steps involved in replacing a mobile air conditioning compressor.

Directions: SAE Clears The Air On HFO-1234yf A/C Refrigerant

Honeywell has reported that SAE International has deemed its new low-global-warming-potential mobile air conditioning refrigerant – HFO-1234yf – safe for use in motor vehicles. SAE made the recommendation following an expanded and extensive evaluation.

SAE International, Consortium Of 11 Global Automakers Conclude Honeywell’s Low-Global-Warming Refrigerant Safe For Use In Cars

Honeywell has announced that SAE International has concluded that Honeywell’s new low-global-warming-potential mobile air conditioning refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, is safe for use in automobiles after completing an expanded and extensive evaluation.

The Gates Corp. Releases New Aftermarket Parts

The Gates Corp. recently announced the addition of 128 new part numbers covering late-model vehicles to its product lineup. The product release also includes the new PolarSeal II Clamp Assortment and PolarSeal II Male Flareless Assemblies for A/C repair and the DriveAlign HD Tensioner for DD Series Engines.