I need an expert's help

[rrhayden]

For the last few months my car has been exibiting the signs of a failing opti. Studder under load, hunting idle speed, last night at idle it nearly died, like only half the cylenders were firing. I got home and opened the hood and noticed that the there is a part of the A/c system attached to the radiator support, directly infront of the opti. It was covered in condensation and was blowing back to the opti, when the fan runns. I presume also when driving on the highway. I disconectd the compressot today and have driven all over, no hesitation, no searching idle. What do you think? could the condensation have been wetting the opti, and that was the problem? Any thoughts would be appreciated !!
Thanks

 

[JRMaroon]

First of all, I'm not an expert...

but I did have my opti replaced (think I was going to say I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express?)

My initial thought is that if your opti was damp enough inside to cause the symptoms you mentioned, the damage may already be done. There would probably be some corrosion inside the unit since it doesn't vent very well.

Since it seems to run fine now, your opti may be OK. The condensation you mentioned may have been blowing back onto the plug wires. If they are not in good condition, moisture here could cause it to miss.

Let us know if it continues to run alright with the compressor disconnected. I'm also curious if you get any of the rough running symptoms with the A/C turned off. This would also alleviate the condensation.

Jeff

 

[rrhayden]

Jeff,

Thanks for your thoughts. I had never driven with the a/c off it has always been in the auto mode thus the a/c would cycle on and off. Another reason I am leaning to the condensation is that it never acted up when you first start it. You would have to drive for 30 munutes, and especially at freeway speed.

 

[JRMaroon]

You just answered another question I had regarding start up and time it takes to miss after start up. It sounds like you found your moisture problem. Just check the condition of those plug wires where they connect to the Opti.

Jeff