AC Functioning Poorly (240D)
 

After finishing up more important repairs, I'm now working on the AC. That said, I am in need of advice on how to proceed, as I've never really worked on this part of the car before.

Here is the problem:
- Currently, the vent temperatures are perhaps 10 degrees F lower than outside. Only when driving constantly, like on the highway, will the temperatures will get that "low".

Here's what I know:
- The system is charged (R12), and has no leaks.
- The compressor turns on.
- The electric fan on the condenser does not turn on. The fan itself works, and spins when connected directly to power. However, it will not turn on during use, even on 95F+ days.


How do I go about troubleshooting the electric fan, and the system overall?


Thanks

Aux fan only turns on when high side refrigerant pressure gets high. Jumper the wires to the pigtails of the pressure switch on receiver/dryer .

Beg, borrow or steal gauge set (Autozone loan program?) and take hi and lo pressures at 1500-2000 RPM. report pressures, ambient temp and vent temp. Do with door open, system on high.

Heavily mist the condensor with water spray; observe vent temps and pressures. report back.

I'm not the brightest, but I've done a bunch of these old A/C systems with some success.

History of system and why you're sure of leak status and charge status?

Thanks for the response.

History of the system - I've been driving this car for ~7 years. Didn't need a recharge until I replaced the compressor about 3 years ago (of course). A/C performance had been decent until sometime in the past year. I'm assuming it is charged, since it only took about 1/4-1/3 can of R12 about a month ago.


I'll see if I can swipe some gauges from a friend and take the pressures.