J1587/J1708 and J1939 data line diagnostics
October 27, 2021
Modern heavy-duty equipment is basically comprised of computers with operating units attached. In short, it is a multiplexing system that replaces traditional power distribution devices with ECUs that communicate electronically over the vehicle datalink.Read Article >
The concept of superheat
October 19, 2021
We illustrated the concept of superheat in last week's article by boiling water and superheating steam in a moonshine still. This week we will apply this concept to refrigerant in an air conditioning system. The still has been replaced with an evaporator.Read Article >
Don’t try this at home
October 6, 2021
Don't try this at home! We do not recommend adding a machete to your mobile A/C tool kit. However, in Belize they do things differently. Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention.Read Article >
Behavioral characteristics of various compressor types pt. 2
October 5, 2021
So now it is time to provide the correct answer along with information on why it is correct and also information on why the others are incorrect.Read Article >
Understanding and troubleshooting data lines on heavy-duty trucks
September 23, 2021
Understanding and Troubleshooting data lines on heavy-duty trucks will be presented byLarry Turay of LETCO Enterprises. In Larry’s Saturday morning class, attendees will learn how components and subsystem inputs and outputs can influence HVAC operations.Read Article >
Behavioral characteristics of various compressor types
September 21, 2021
When faced with a challenging A/C system problem, knowing what type of compressor you are dealing with can help streamline the diagnosis process.Read Article >
Cooling fan circuit analytics
September 16, 2021
What is Peter Orlando’s class Cooling Fan Circuit Analytics about? It all began decades ago as a mechanical fan attached to the water pump with and without a fan clutch. And now it has evolved into an efficient complex electrical motor control of cooling the modern internal combustion engine.Read Article >
A burned clutch is a symptom of another problem
September 14, 2021
Not much thought is given to compressor clutches until they fail, but they are extremely durable. I have personally owned three vehicles that had between 200, 000 and 240,000 miles on them. They all still had the original compressors and clutches, and they were still functioning perfectly.Read Article >
Facts to know about the compressor clutch coil
September 7, 2021
Checking the clutch air gap before installing a compressor is an important step in compressor installation. This is because of the possibility of a clutch air gap getting knocked out of adjustment due to rough handling or it being gapped incorrectly at the factory. These issues of course can cause problems with clutch operation. If detected and corrected before compressor installation, a lot of time can be saved.Read Article >
Mind the compressor clutch gap
August 31, 2021
One of the first things I was taught in my A/C training was to always check the clutch air gap prior to installing a compressor.Read Article >
What type of condenser is in that vehicle?
August 17, 2021
What type of condenser is in that vehicle? It's a frequent question in the mobile A/C industry.Read Article >
Field study: Incorrectly installed condensers
August 10, 2021
I have handled numerous tech calls involving older GM trucks with incorrectly installed condensers. In preparation for this series of MACS blogs, I discovered a salvage truck with one of these condenser repairs. This gave me the opportunity to duplicate the incorrect installation and look for pitfalls and solutions.Read Article >
