A/C engine load question
 

I know that when an air conditioner is turned on in a car, it will put more load on an engine. On my 380, the AC makes it very sluggish and it will still go fast but I am afraid to push it. I never drive the car with the economy all the way in the red but usually 3 quarters or half way to the red.

How should I be driving usually with this big load on the engine from the A/C?? The engine has 420 000kms on it so I dont want anything to "explode".


:confused:

ANYBODY????????

You're not going to do any damage by driving it hard with the AC on...Except to your wallet, because you'll burn up more fuel without moving any faster! :) Hit the "off" button if you want to accelerate hard, then turn it back on when you're up to speed.

Mike

The A/C leeches power in two ways....first it is more load on the engine drive/accessory belt. Second, when run it creates more underhood heat which raises engine temps (still in the safe zone mind you) but costs power just the same. Exact losses can differ alot but a 10-15HP power loss is not at all out of the question. You will not hurt anything by running it to redline with the A/C on. Just think of it as sacrificing a few HP/lb-ft for the sake of a comfortable cabin in the summer months.

Hope this helps,
Lee

PS for max acceleration hit the "ec" button as mentioned above. Turn the full a/c back on when it suits you.

Push away, you won't hurt anything.

Enjoy it you are one of the few with a older working a/c ;)

I guess you guys are right. :D The AC blows frigid cold air and I guess that I worry too much about my Benz! WHiCH IS NOY BAD!!;)

the AC also uses electrical power to engage the compressor clutch, and to power the fan, and these put a load on the alternator (and therefore the engine) as well.

but like Benzman500 sez, enjoy it while it works - mine doesn't anymore.

Talk about power drain... the "power" that my diesel makes is noticeably less when the A/C is on. At least I can feel especially when trying to make a pass.

However, it was about 95 today + super humid air and it was nice to have A/C...

I used to turn it off when my rear windows used to work as the cabin was very airy with all the windows down. Can't wait til they work again.

I only notice decreased power with the A/C on when my engine temp is nearing 100, and I am accelerating from a stop. Otherwise, on the hwy, or around town, I don't notice a performance loss with the A/C on... I only notice decreased performance when I step on it from a stop with the A/C on and coolant temp close to 100d.

Don't complain about lossing power from the a/c until you drive something like a I-4 Camery or Mirage or any other powerless 4 banger. I refuse to drive either of the cars I mentioned with the a/c on in town because they have nothing left when you stomp on it. ;)
I'm the only person I have meet with a 80's BMW with a working a/c :D

I was driving my uncles c230 Kompressor and with the AC on I didnt feel much power loss at all.

The AC in my car was repaired last summer and converted to the new system so dont think that it was the original.