TheSamba.com :: View topic - Proper A/C temps at the blower/vent (w/1.8T Compressor)?

Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:36 pm

Today was unusually hot on the coast. So, I decided to run my a/c (1.8T compressor, new lines, fresh R134a, etc). It certainly cooled the interior, but wasn't as cold as I thought it should be. When I got home I put a digital meat thermometer right at the rear vent for a few minutes... (I've removed my OEM baffle for better air flow, so it is more like the early a/c vent coming right out of the upper cabinet). The temp registered and held steady at 56 degrees F. Does this sound correct? The outside temp was maybe 90F at the most.

Also, can anyone post temps of their A/C at the vent and the corresponding exterior ambient temp please? I'm trying to determine if this (56F at the vent & 90F outside) is what I should expect from my system or if I need to chase down a problem. Thanks.

Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:53 pm

My rickety old AC runs at around thirty degrees below ambient in its tired leaky state. It's a stock WBX system, but I run propane and isobutane. Years ago when it was much tighter and running like a champ, I measured vent temps in the high thirties.

Tue Jul 28, 2015 10:01 pm

Proper vent temps at 90 degree's?

With or without the sun cooking through the glass, & baking on the top, or is it cloudy & overcast?

There isn't a "proper, or given" vent temp.

With a good operating system you should be able to see anywhere from the mid to upper 30's to low 40's with no problem.
56 degrees is unacceptable at 90 ambient temp.
The AC will be never be able to cope with or overcome the heat inside of the vehicle.