Did they maybe forget to reconnect the ac compressor? That would do it! I can't remember if you have to open the ac system. I think I just pushed mine out of the way.


I would think the temp would fluctuate somewhat. Does it stay steady all the time, or do you just mean it hovers right around 209?

 

When purging air the cabin heater is on high, engine at operating temp, and then releasing bleed valve?

 

It is pretty darn steady at that but will pop up to 211 then back down. It did pop up to 215 one time. I guess what really through me is that it makes no difference whether on highway or in town.

 

Yes I did both ways. Waited until morning and did the rave way. The after that pulled front end up on my ramps and turned heater on. Let it get up to temp then did the bleed valve. I am guessing It still has soem air in it though.

 

Does AC clutch engage?

Opening system at ops temp usually lets air into system rather than bleed it out.
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Interesting. Honestly I have had a small leak of soem kind for so long I just had my routine that seemed to work. I woudl start with the rave manual way then woudl follow up with raising front end and using the bleed screw to "let air out". I guess I never knew if it worked or not. It seemed to.


So at the risk of seeming like a total idiot, how can I confirm the AC clutch kicks in?

 

Just turn your ac on and look under the hood. If the front of the ac compressor pulley isn't moving, your ac clutch is not engaging.
There is a chance that they forgot to reconnect the compressor. Sometimes on big jobs, like head gaskets, little things like that can be overlooked.

 

It doesn't look like it is moving. Bummer.

 

You could try checking the fuses and the relay, but maybe the garage opened the system during the head gasket job. If so, it won't turn the compressor on without pressure in the system. I would think they would have planned on recharging it if they took it apart. Maybe they forgot? I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask them about it.

 

Excellent point.

If familiar with using jumper, jumping high/low connector and/or clutch relay should narrow down what the cause is or take back to shop and have them check. Recharge on the shop bill?
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