4 Seasons 36141 Compressor Clutch Timer
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Selected User Reviews For 4 Seasons 36141 Compressor Clutch Timer
I installed this timer in the hopes of preventing a third lock condition caused by oil and liquid refrigerant draining into it after the truck had not been used for a long period of time. br>What this gadget does is it keeps the compressor from fully engaging; I can hear how, after turning on the AC, the clutch is energized for a fraction of a second a few times to get any liquid in it circulating before it remains on. br>I drilled two holes in the compressor's aluminum holding bracket and used self-adhesive self-adhesive self-adhesive self-adhesive self-ad Installation is plug-and-play except for the tapping of screws to secure it in place. operation that is plug-and-play br>The principle behind the Deslugger's design makes sense, and I'm hoping that it will protect the compressor from premature failure due to poor GMC design on certain vehicles, such as this truck, where the compressor sits very low within the system, allowing an excessive amount of oil and liquid refrigerant to drain into it.
On a 2002 Chevy Tahoe Z71, it's been installed. My compressor began slugging about four years ago. I had no idea what that was, but I knew that if I started the truck and turned on the AC right away, the truck would make a horrible clattering sound as soon as I stepped on the gas. (It was probably the tensioner clattering, in retrospect. ) I could get it to cool if I turned it on while I was already moving and took it *very* slowly. Until I couldn't, that is. The belt came loose with a thud and a bang, and I was no longer able to use the air conditioner. I couldn't afford to have the truck repaired because it was approaching 20 years old. I'd just drive home hot because the windows are open. br>br>Fast forward to the present day. I figured if I'm going to drive this thing for another 5 years, I might as well enjoy it. I was still hesitant to spend a thousand dollars on a new compressor. I'm not sure where I came across this product, but I thought it was worth a shot. I crawled under the truck, cleaned the tensioner, installed a new belt (honestly, that was the most difficult part of the job), and took it for a test drive. All of a sudden, there's air conditioning. There isn't a peep. br>br>When I turn on the air conditioner, I can hear the Deslugger working - As advertised, it gradually engages the compressor clutch to get things up and running. I am completely blown away. I may need to replace the compressor at some point, but I'm certain I'll keep the Deslugger. What an excellent and practical suggestion.
The device will cycle for three minutes, according to the marketing video. It takes four minutes for the air conditioning to fully engage. From the time I turned on my air conditioner until I felt my first cool breeze, there was a 14-minute delay. I've tried it about 20 times now, and it always works the same way. So, before I can get a cool breeze in my big V8, I have to 'warm it up' for 14 minutes in the Texas heat. When you factor in the rising cost of gasoline and the fact that the entire family is sweating it out after church, a meal, a soccer game, or anything else, you've got a recipe for disaster. It's just a waste of time; if it were only three minutes, it would be acceptable. I'm willing to give you my money in exchange for a chance to extend the compressor's life. 14 minutes is a ridiculously long amount of time. br>br>Once the 14-minute stall time has passed, there is suddenly cold air. But, in the meantime - There's nothing but the atmosphere. We don't have any air conditioning because most of our trips are under 20 minutes. br>br>I got a second one to try out, and it's a lot better. It maintains a small temperature differential (20 degrees) until the vehicle has been running for 9 minutes. There are 55 seconds remaining. It went into full gear at that point, producing the anticipated 40-degree differential right away.
It does exactly what it says! Due to GM's poor design, it pulses the voltage to the air conditioner compressor several times to move any accumulated liquid out of the cylinder in stages. Yes, it still slugs a little, but without this device, my compressor would lock up for a minute at a time, squealing the belt; now it slugs for a half second, but I don't have to shut down my air conditioner in shame. br>br>Note: If you're looking for a unique way to express yourself, try using the words "creative Before you turn off your vehicle, turn off your air conditioner for the best results. When you turn the engine on, condition it so that it does not try to start. After the engine has started, turn on the air conditioning. The device will make a noise when it engages and disengages the compressor. br>br>It's a fantastic response to GM's failure.
My compressor is supposed to be turned off, but it's still running. Slugger does exactly what it says on the tin. I burned through two belts, purchased two tensioners, and assumed I'd have to spend a lot more money on a new compressor before installing this device. I've driven it for over 25,000 miles and have had no problems. 2003 5. 3 in the suburbs.
Every GM rebuild with a low-mount compressor gets one of these. Zip ties make mounting a breeze. br>I also use these when I replace the condensers in my GM trucks. I guarantee you'll be able to make a comeback with these.
It does exactly what it should. However, I wish it were a little smaller.