I noticed that my engine runs hotter with the AC on so I did a quick test.


I placed my hand on my AC condensor while the AC was on, and it was very hot, I can only hold it for a few seconds.

Then, I turned the AC off and INSTANTLY the condensor cooled down greatly, within a few seconds.

I turned the AC back on and the condensor went immediately back to HOT HOT HOT. Within a few seconds, it was already HOT to the touch again.


Is this normal?? A few years ago, I punctured the condensor in Baja and all the freon leaked out. I had the condensor replaced with a new one, and AC recharged, ever since then, it's had a small leak. My mechanic just adds a can of freon to my system whenever it stops cooling (once a year or so, last did it a month ago)

 

Sounds like air in the system. When the compressor mashes down air, it heats, just like a turbo. You're leak needs to be found and fixed. And draw the A/C system down with a vac pump to eliminate contaminants.

 

Either that or you have real shitty airflow thru the radiator/condenser, which could be either clogged or have lazy fans. THe condenser will get hot under normal use, but it shouldn't give you 2nd or 3rd degree burns.

 

I noticed a lot of dirt and dry mud in the condensor fins, cleaned it up, testing to see if any difference

 

That might fix it. There's no way for the condenser to shed heat if it's crogged with mud.