weird problem with A/C

jtnelson · 05-08-2002, 01:15 PM

Hi, I have a new problem with my 1986 944 Turbo. When I use the A/C the engine overheats.

The belt squeals a bit when I turn on the A/C... is that also causing it to overheat?

It usually stays at a normal temperature when I'm not running A/C... though that's been rather uncomfortable, given that it's about 110 F here during the day ... and it's only May! (I live in the UAE.)

Jeff

Lawrence Coppari · 05-09-2002, 03:12 AM

The fans should always come on when you turn the AC on. Are they doing that?

Does the engine overheat when the car is in motion with the AC on?

jtnelson · 05-09-2002, 03:28 AM

Thanks for the reply!

Yes, the fans do come on--and stay on. That's why I'm puzzled.

This may or not be related, but I do need to tighten and/or replace the belt that drives the AC compressor. It often squeals very loudly. I'm also getting some squealing from a belt when I start up the car even if the AC is off.

But the car starts to overheat as soon as I turn on the AC. I can watch the temp gauge needle climbing until it's over the top line.

Lawrence Coppari · 05-09-2002, 08:30 AM

You say you are hearing another squeal when you first start the motor. You did not say it was the AC belt (that would have no load other than alternator). Only other belts are cam belt, balance shaft belt, and PS belt.

The back of the cam belt drives the water pump. If that one is making a noise, get it fixed NOW.

Is the engine actually getting too hot or could it be a gauge problem?

You did not say anything about the engine temperature when car is moving.

jtnelson · 05-09-2002, 09:12 AM

Whoops, I forgot to mention... it behaves the same when moving as when stationary.

Jeff

jtnelson · 05-09-2002, 09:26 AM

Also ... yes, I haven't actually confirmed that the car is really overheating. I haven't had problems with the gauge before, though.

Last year when it read this high, I blew out the intercooler seals. (At that time, I replaced the radiator and fixed a malfunctioning cooling fan.)

Thanks for the advice!

Jeff

migue_2180 · 05-19-2002, 07:29 PM

Listen I work at a radiator shop and I own a 944 turbo 87. I live in Puerto Rico and here the ambient temperature are much higher than the zone you live. My car used to heat up after a few minutes I started it . I noticed my radiator was leaking and it was blocked.
Check your termostat those things can do a severe engine damage if they are bad . It is difficult to know if they are in bad condition. First you have to remove your termostat and then see in the termostad it has an cooper tube at the back see if it is scraping it .
That cause the termostat to block and not let the water pass.