After washing my engine, NO A/C! WHAT!?

[BHop]

Hello all:

So yea, the title pretty much says it all. I wash my engine once a year. This afternoon I went about doing so. After rinsing it I quickly turned over the motor to allow it to dry. I still had the hood open when I did this. I took a look to make sure that everything is fine and what do I notice? The compressor is turning once every 5-6 seconds for only about 2-3 seconds. It would make a "click" sound when kicking in, and another when it would stop. The compressor was on and off for about 1 minute, then finally it stopped turning on and off.

I didn't have the AC in my truck activated when this was all happening. I hardly ever use my A/C for that matter. The last time I used it was in mid July. My truck doesn't have a lot of mileage: 148 000km/ 92500 miles and it's a 97.

I have no reason to believe that my A/C stopped work sometime before I last used it ( in July ) and when I washed my engine earlier today. I say this because the "clicking" sound which the compressor makes when it engages and disengages earlier today was quite erratic. Normally when I am driving I can hear it engage and disengage, and it isn't normally that erratic like it was for that short period of time today.

I have no A/C what so ever now. I followed the same procedure today which I normally do when I wash my engine. Am I up the creek? What can I do?

Thank you!

 

[budwich]

even though you have no "reason to believe your AC isn't working since the last time you used it", its the old "use it or lose it" problem... It's most likely low on cool stuff which tends to leak out thru "unused" seals.... :-(

 

[TheJackal]

Whenever you get the fast-cycle like that from the compressor it usually means it's low on Freon. Check the pressure in the system to see what's going on.

Check to make sure all your electrical connections are dry, too. Funny things happen when water gets into connectors and stuff.

 

[BHop]

Update;

After driving home from school this morning, I popped my hood with the engine still running. The compressor is trying to run. The same symtoms are there from when this initially happened. What I originally thought through observation was that the compressor completely stopped work after several on and off cycles.


I will take a look at the electronic connection and see what happens next.

If I have leaks through unused seals, how big of an undertaking is it to get these replaced? I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I am curious to know. Is it something best left for the pros?


Thanks

 

[TheJackal]

In order to replace seals, you need to recover whatever refrigerant is left in the system. A pro shop needs to do this.

 

[BHop]

Thanks Jackal

I will keep you guys posted. Thanks for the help. Once again Explorer Forum to the rescue!