I've kept it no secret in my short time here that I'm a huge fan of the hydrocarbon refrigerants. Just a few days ago I finally converted the a/c in my 94 Pickup 22RE from R134a to hydrocarbon. This morning I made my first commute (~50mi) since I made the conversion. I was thoroughly enjoying the massive amount of freezing air blowing through my hair, and life was good.

I noticed the radiator fan was spinning the whole time I was on the interstate, but I didn't think much of it; it often does that when it's hot outside. When I got off at my exit and stopped at the light, I saw the temp gauge was rising at an alarming rate. The light turned green just as the needle was approaching red, but the needle wouldn't go back down until I turned the a/c off.

When I reached my destination, I popped the hood and noticed that the a/c condenser coil covers about 80% of the engine radiator. It seems the a/c is moving so much heat that the radiator can't cool the engine adequately now.

I realize how this sounds, but I want to have my cake and eat it too. Does anyone have any ideas how I can keep using my awesome a/c, and prevent the engine from overheating?

 

Flushed your coolant system lately? Might start there.

:wabbit2:

 

Like Waskilly said, flush your system. The radiator will need professionally flushed. You normally cant get enough pressure to get the crud out. I have seen the temperture drop nearly 25% on one that is really clogged.

 

Probably not a bad idea. It does have a new aluminum radiator (~6 months old).