A/C problem update

["Scott McPherson" <srmcpher@syr.edu>]

Hi People,

Thanks for all the great replies - I am no longer an A/C moron.  I have
checked all relays & switches (even the full throttle A/C cutout under the
gas pedal) with the exception of one - I do not know where the switch that
senses engine overheat and cuts out the compressor.  Possibly, does this
info come from an existing sensor in another system? I know my temp sender
is screwed (dead gauge)......

Although my freon is a bit low, I dont think it is the cause of my problem
(as some of you have suggested) since jumpering the low pressure switch
doesn't cause the compressor to engage.  Once the compressor decides to
engage the air does get cold, just not REAL cold.  Also once it does
engage, it either cuts in and out erratically, or runs continuously. 
Sometimes it cuts in and out and then runs continuously.  It seems to have
a mind of its own.

The strange thing is that is seems to operate normally after the car has
been running for a long time.  (i.e the compressor runs constant because
the freon is a bit low).  This is why I dont think that the condenser
thermostat is bad, because the condenser is coldest when the car has been
running for a long time and the whole system is no longer acting weird.

I suspect that the mysterious overheat cutout switch is the reason for the
erratic compressor engage/disengage, or possibly the A/C control head
might be getting weird and I don't have the Bentley yet (this will change
real soon).  Would anyone be willing to fax me the A/C diagnostics? It
would be greatly appreciated.  I live in the Syracuse, NY area.

Thanks again

Scott McPherson
srmcpher@syr.edu   86 5kcs    Q-less and a bit less clueless in Syracuse