Hi all,
Intermittent AC today (nice and hot too). It ran for a while then didn't. Seems to not engage anymore once it cuts out the first time. I was thinking overheat or overcharge (not sure how that would change without me adding anything).

Got the cheapo kit to check, it's at 100psi at rest. When the clutch tries to engage, it rotates, makes a clunky/burp sound and cuts out. It keeps repeating. For the brief moment it does engage it is at 65 to 75 psi, climbs and then cuts off. So I think my level is okay. The relay is obviously trying to engage the clutch, but cuts out for whatever reason.

What else can I check here?

2003 Evo 8 with 86k miles on it.

Thanks in advance,
Anthony

 

Certainly not an AC expert but not sure if replacing the clutch assy would solve the problem. The compressor itself is spendy but maybe looking into a rebuilt assy is the way to go

See Mitsuparts.net link showing the related items

https://mitsubishiparts.net/parts/20...iagram=6265050

 

I went through this last spring. First I went to a trusted mechanic and had him install the correct amount of refrigerant with dye. That didn't fix it. Then I installed a clutch. Repaired. However, I then discovered that a schrader valve was leaking. So, had the schrader valves replaced and then another recharge. Total cost for this project was about $500.

 

Thanks guys.

I broke and got the "good" measurement and fill kit on Amazon. It should arrive today.

agree it is probably the clutch, but that looks to engage every time then cuts out, almost like an overpressure cut off. So the pressure gauges should show me that definitively today.

I think the expander valve and compressor are working, because until the engine bay heats up I get pretty good cold air. When the fan kicks on or the A/C condenser I get a blast of hot air, so it's moving some flow. Relays kicking in, but could be letting go when they warm up, so that might be the issue as well.

Good info and I found the mega-discussion here about the clutch/AC. Other ideas/info appreciated and I'll post what I find.

Thanks.

 

The compressor clutch is good for about 100K give or take. There's much discussion on reshimming or removing shims. However, a new clutch is flat and a used one is far from it. My symptoms were hot day, cool air until the engine bay was hot then no A/C. Checking the clutch with a feeler gauge, mine was over the limit. So, what was happening was the clutch, already worn past the limit, had that gap grow as things heated up until it refused to engage.

Since my car is one owner, I knew the system had never been touched. Well, refrigerant doesn't get more full over time so I started with a refrigerant refill.

 

Got the nicer "real" guages and took a reading.

At 85F, I had just under 200 psi high side and 35 psi low side which is dead on the service manual range, so my fill and compressor operation were fine. First time I fired it up all day, so the compressor stayed engaged and inside the air was very cold.

So fill is good, system works when clutch engages, clutch disengages when hot. Sounds like a rework/replace based on all your (and the other threads) advice.

I'll check the gap tomorrow when there's more light and then make the call of shim or replace.

Thanks all!
Anthony

 

I ran into this last summer. Would engage occasionally then just stop. I ended up shimming my clutch and now it works like a champ. I got all my info from here https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ng-advice.html


Shim kit
MR315936

 

I think I'm going to try the shim kit. It ran all the way home yesterday with no problems, so I think it's not too far gone yet. Shim now and replace in a couple of years.

Anyone know the part number of plastic clips that hold the wheel well plastic together? I destroyed two of them trying to inspect and the local auto parts place didn't have a replacement that works.

Thanks.

 

See this link here for the front liner parts

http://www.mitsubishipartssource.com...S/6265070.html

 

I go to the parts store and buy packages of two or three sizes and periodically restock. Often times the factory clips are the wrong size for a good fit. Look under the fender of my car and you will see half a dozen different types of plastic clips.