BrianV

When your A/C is turned on can you notice it in the way the engine acts?

A/C obviously steals power from the engine because it's belt driven, but it seems a lot worse on my LS400 then on my dad's 98 GS300. Also, on his GS300 the engine sounds exactly the same whether the A/C is on or off. Mine has a whine that is linear with engine RPM (due to A/C compressor being belt driven). Could my belt be on too tight? I really want to stop the noise it makes, as it makes my Lexus quiet engine quite noticable.

Any insight is appreciated.

BrianV

I was searching through the SC forum and read that one guy after converting from r12 to 134a noticed a whine. He then recharged his system thoroughly and it got a little better. Do you think recharging would help this at all? I have pretty thorough service records of the car and I don't think it's ever been done. The A/C does work quite well, as it's 100+ degrees here often and it only takes 1-2 minutes to bring the car down to the proper temp.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Brian,

Since no one has any direct input here, I'm moving your post to the maintenance forum where perhaps one of the Lex Techs can help you out.

VVT-i

A good working condition Compressor should not make a loud whining noise at all. I think your compressor is ready to give up( lock up) and may be that why it's take a lot of power from your engine. I used to have a 95 LS and I don't recall this problem at all.

Lvangundy

My 1990 has the same whine for the first few minutes it's on which makes me think it's a belt.

I can notice the power difference and I can feel it clunk when I'm driving if I turn it on/off. The RPM's slightly drop.

The compressor in my car was replaced in 1998 or 1999 by the previous owner.

spxChrome

Could be your fan clutch or AC compressor. I don't think it is possible to put the belt on to tight. It is designed with a flex system with no adjustments available. The adjustment arm keeps it at the required length allowing for any variance (ie. belt shriking, stretch ect.) and making adjustments.

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

When I drive on the freeway and decide to turn on the A/C, I immediately feel a slight lose of power. The A/C does make a difference.