How to get the best out of your Car A/C.

Let us consider the M-800 System, being most omni-present and ‘Edgy’ by design, by virtue of the Engine itself being < 50 Bhp. This exercise can be divided into two parts:

(i) It should check whether the System is Healthy, by way of Suction/Discharge Pressures, Internal or External Component Blockages, ‘Pressure equalisation’ times on Switching Off and Cabin Grill Temperature.

(ii) On M800 ‘Retrofits’, check whether a 120Watts Radiator Fan is provided, by replacing the ‘Standard’ 80-Watt one.

(iii) Ensure proper Foam sealing on all the four sides between the Radiator and the Condenser, between the Exhaust Manifold and the Condenser (behind the Bumper). This is the most neglected area.

(iv) Existence of a ‘Heat Shield’ around the Compressor discharge pipe and the Condenser in an M800, as provided in an ‘OE’ fitment. This again is generally thrown away by mechanics right during the first service of a new car, thinking that it serves no useful purpose. If it were so, it won’t be provided by the Manufacturer in the first place and be subsequently priced as an MGP/SGP Spare costing over Rs: 350/-!

(v) Whether the Radiator Fan comes on and stays on even when the Radiator Thermo Switch cuts in. Approach in reverse sequence especially for the Retrofits.

(vi) Check all parameters of the Engine Tune, such as Idle RPM/CO, FICD RPM (1050), Ignition Timing including satisfactory working of Centrifugal and Vacuum Advance features, Dwell angle and its stability up to 4000RPM, Spark Plug condition and Gap, Air Cleaner/Petrol Filter Cleanliness, Carburetor II Butterfly in good working order, Engine Valve Clearances and Timing (if suspect).

(vii) Wheel alignment, Engine Compression/Power balance (if suspect), Radiator/Condenser Cleanliness (inside/out), condition of Radiator Cap/Thermo valve (Change if suspect). In our Dusty conditions, these two have to be pressure washed every 2-months from both sides.

(viii) Correctness of Dash Board Temp Gauge vis-a-vis digital thermometer in the Radiator neck, Radiator Fan coming on without A/C around 85*C to 90*C, full closing of Fresh Air Damper in ‘Recirc’ mode and proper alignment in ‘Full Forward’ Mode.