210 AC - left-side warm when the high side drops fast

[Matt L]

When cruising on the highway, I see 45F max on the left-side center vent. When idling, I see about 41F. This is lately, with 95F+ ambient temperatures, and the fan set to three bars.

However, whenever I leave idle and accelerate onto the highway, the left vent rises in temperature and humidity; water condenses on my thermometer. I don't have a thermometer in the right vent, but it feels much colder than the left when this occurs. After about a minute, the condensation evaporates and the thermometer starts lowering. After a few minutes, it settles in to a nice chill.

Has anyone seen these symptoms?

I suspect that I'm a bit low on refridgerant, since the system only gets to about 16 bar on 100F days, and the auxiliary fan is starting (there's a very short delay after the 14 bar criterium is met before the fan starts), which promptly lowers the pressure to below 14. Often below 11, shutting down the fan again (unless the ECT exceeds 95C, of course).

Yes, I drive while the climate-control computer is in current-sensor readout mode, watching number 7. Pretty much all the time.

[Mike Murrell]

Originally Posted by Matt L

When idling, I see about 41F. I suspect that I'm a bit low on refridgerant

.

Wish I was that low on juice. 41 degree vents temps at idle. You ain't low. I envy you.

Some cars will disengage the compressor momentarily while accelerating. Can't sat this is your case as I'm not familiar with your system.

[jbaj007]

Matt L,
On the two zone system, a very common reason for cold/warm difference on each side IS low refrigerant. I think you are right.
Read Steve Brotherton's take: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=125710&highlight=210+charge+low+warm

[Matt L]

What surprises me is that it happens only during transients from idling to high-speed operation. I don't know if reving the engine in place will do the same thing; I should check. It is worse at lower ambient temperatures, or so it seems.

I put too much in it before the last time the temperature hit these kind of highs, and starting the compressor immediately put the high-side into the upper twenties. I removed about eight ounces at that time, but have since put about two back in. Perhaps another ounce or two will fix it up.

With only one kg of refridgerant in the entire system, I should expect some severe sensitivity to a few ounces high or low.

[gmercoleza]

I would evacuate and recharge by weight to be sure.

[Matt L]

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

I would evacuate and recharge by weight to be sure.

That would be ideal, but it's not going to happen until something actually needs to be replaced.