[Hemersam]

I have a really nice '78 280SE (2.8 ltr) which I absolutely love, but the old "flat-head" compressor (replaced by previous owner three years ago and charged last month) just doesn't cool the car down enough; it puts out cold air, but not enough apparently (I live in north Texas). Is there a different compressor I can put on the car which would cool the interior better (I'm tired of hearing my wife, who owns a new Camry, refer to my car as that "old hot box"). I really need some good advice on this, please. Thanks.
Hemersam

 

[Batmbz]

I have a really nice '78 280SE (2.8 ltr) which I absolutely love, but the old "flat-head" compressor (replaced by previous owner three years ago and charged last month) just doesn't cool the car down enough; it puts out cold air, but not enough apparently (I live in north Texas). Is there a different compressor I can put on the car which would cool the interior better (I'm tired of hearing my wife, who owns a new Camry, refer to my car as that "old hot box"). I really need some good advice on this, please. Thanks.
Hemersam

I'm not sure about doing another conmpressor, but you may also be able to do a conversion to R134, the more "eco friendly" refrigerant. My dad is retired from several years in the air conditioning business, and he says it is a much more efficient (i.e., makes colder air) refrigerant than the R12 used in cars for so many years.

Hope this helps.

 

[cheapold280ce]

The the compressor is not the part of system that makes it cold it the condensor and evaporator that move the heat around. The evaporator sucking heat inside the car and the condensor releasing the heat.

I grew in south texas so I know about Texas heat, Here is my suggestions.

1) get two instant read thermometer available at most grocery stores and run test as noted in attached file. If system checks out then your system is working correct but can't handle Texas heat. So go to step 2
2) check that your drain on your evaporator is not clogged
3) check and make sure that your heater is off and not adding heat to the inside of car when you have the AC on. If you have manual AC check you heater valve on firewall and verify it's stopping the hot water from coming in. If you cliamte control then searcch forum to see how you can tell heater is really off.

If above all checks out then you can try to increase the heat tranfer from system and reduce the heat load on system.

3) Setup your auxliary fan to come on when your compressor is on. You can do this buy taking the wires that run to fan and hookup a relay so that when the compressor has power the auxilary fan kicks in. This will increase your heat transfer to ambient air.

These steps will reduce heat load.

3) Tint your windows this will really help check local laws on maximun tint.

4) Install some heat insulation under the floormats and front and rear seats.