It's One Of Those Pretty Trucks // Broken Air Conditioner

[@michaelselman9885]

Always something, unfortunately. Thank you for driving all those miles getting the goods to us Kurt. Greatly appreciated 💕

[@chrisg8566]

When the mechanics opened the AC system to replace the radiator and left it open while waiting for parts, the high humidity caused the filter drier's desiccant to absorb moisture. Even after vacuum evacuation, the desiccant bag in the dryer remained saturated. This moisture significantly reduces the filter drier's capacity and restricts flow, which normally holds about a pound of liquid refrigerant. As a result, the AC system becomes inefficient while driving but can still cool the cab at idle. Solution for a do-it-yourself project: Obtain an AC gauge kit with R134 can taps (which will save you money compared to the "suicide AC kit" you bought from the truck stop). Also, get an air-powered AC system vacuum pump to help vacuum down your system, a new dryer, and an expansion valve. The W900 typically holds about 3-4 pounds of R134 refrigerant. Before you start, have a car or truck repair shop recover your refrigerant-most standard auto repair shops can handle this task. Venting refrigerant is a no-no, and the AC cops not only play hardball but will throw people who do it in a place with the guys who think used motor oil makes the grass grow. :)

[@bryansimmons20]

I love your driving. You don't get in a hurry, your shifts are as smooth as I've ever seen. Your always calm even when in stressful situations.

[@burtcampbell1452]

KURT you have a mighty fine looking truck too!!!

[@brianseibert3080]

Harbor freight has the proper gauges for r134 for cheap. You can hook them to a tiny can like that if you need. You can also hook them and cycle different engine speeds to try to find the problem. If it is low 50-75% of the time it’s a schrader valve leaking.

[@ScottArmas107]

I never attempted the adding Freon till my pickup needed it a month ago when it was 115°. I finally bought a can and it works like a champ. I’m an AC tech now.

[@adrenaline4life233]

Keep that money in your pocket as long as you can. They’d easily charge over $200 for the same thing.

[@LannySpallSpall]

I am 73 years old and have lived in Indiana my entire life and the roads are horrible from any direction when you cross the state line you know it. It's the land of the simulated moon surface.

[@SamuelManaole]

Interesting / funny analogy .

[@marvinasher-m4h]

Good see u back trucking hope u get the A/C problem fix ' make sure the Condenser is not clogged best of luck

[@joeprocopio494]

First class lookin good Kurt!!

[@nerdywolfi]

You need to use Loctite threadlocker on the screws of the truck grill. That way they won't come off unless you heat them up.

[@naswarfree40]

Good to see you back on the road

[@2bij3]

Hi Kurt, you can find leaks in your air conditioning system with a UV light. Freon lights up when you shine this light on it. Check your connections with the radiator, because usually the cooling for your engine and air are in the same radiator unit. Good luck and look forward to your next video, John

[@b374mxg]

When the temperature rises to 60 degrees, see if you can stop and take a look at the receiver drier. It could be freezing up? Look in the sight glass of the drier for bubbles. Make sure that you are not getting outside air in the cab which will cause freezing up also. Just a couple of thoughts from an old KW guy. One more thing, double check the connections on the circuit breaker that controls the A/C system. I've see a loose post in the breaker which will cause on-off situation.

[@lindahollister5530]

Awesome video. Keep on trucking.❤❤❤.

[@rasjahson6261]

Sounds like a condenser problem. With replacing the radiator the mechanic have to take off the condenser and put it back on. At the same time your fan had busted and threw pieces into your radiator it probably also caused damage to your condenser and the shop didn’t notice or didn’t bother to check but it’s common for that to happen and it seems to always happen at the wrong time. I always replace the condenser if the clutch fan blows and causes damage to the radiator. Very costly for the fan, radiator, coolant and the condenser.

[@rlfedler]

Good video, thanks! A talk-see, must be about twenty five or thirty years since I’ve heard that term. I think of it as when you talk to a person and lay eye balls on them at the same time. It differentiated between talking in person versus talking on the landline, back in the day ..

[@GreyRockOne]

Thanks Kurt, is it just a coincidence your AC is screwed up AFTER that shop fix?? Carry on brother..

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

I always thought it would be the right shoulder that wears out and need replacing first from shifting. Nope it’s the left from steering. Just had that done. No picnic. Reaching for that shifter is gonna wear out yours a lot faster.

[@scottycollins1829]

Nice 2 see 1st Class back STROLLIN

[@stevencaka]

Kurt, I’m feeling certain that it could be either your a/c condenser & the high pressure switch. I’ve had to have both replaced on the Pete I drove at LansdowneMoody about a year & a half ago & then it would freeze my butt out of that day cab sometimes depending on where I’d have to stage or sit at the Port of Galveston sometimes sir. Hopefully 🤞 you get some time to get her home & make some time to check those out & fix your grille & maybe get one of your center hub caps replaced that I saw 👀 was missing in one of your videos on the rear drivers side axle. At least those are somewhat cheap.💁‍♂️😁👌 Hey, stay safe & I’ll be looking to order some more merch soon

[@danielloveall2952]

Such a beautiful sunset Kurt

[@maxschimminger1553]

Kurt it sounds like it could be the hi pressure switch I'm sure so many people have told you that and i70 in Indiana is so bad i had to replace my quarter fender on my hood behind the steer tire it broke the inner shell .we're all looking forward to the German getting back in the truck take care ill see you on the road one of these days

[@cornwellteam]

Wonder if they let moisture get into the system maybe replace the dryer and expansion valve vacuum back down and start over 👍you can buy the pump and gauges for a lot less than a shop bill and you have them for future repairs 🫡😎Rickster

[@Couldnt_let_J.Marston_die]

Man I know the feeling about the AC mine crapped out on me a couple weeks ago in the northeast when the temps were in the high 90's. Personally I think that stretch of 70 is worse than 65. But then again I use 70 far more than I use 65.

[@EfficientRVer]

I'd assume Cat recovered all Freon and added back the correct amount, if they opened the system. Which you're unfortunately going to have to do again. See if they'll cover it under warranty. If not, just find a good AC shop to do it, after you decide how many shells you're going to load into the parts cannon as long as you have the Freon out. Certainly deal with the drier, maybe the orifice, maybe the accumulator, and anything in danger of leaking now or soon. Have them leak check it before recovering the Freon, and again when done. Not sure what else to say, except good luck, or keep records of cabin temp under all different driving/stopped conditions, and see if you can live with it as-is this year, and deal with it next year. Another approach is to have a home AC guy install a 120VAC mini split, whether or not you fix the truck's AC. Treat it as a supplement, or as a backup, or as the new primary AC, but for $2K you can improve the truck in a way that probably adds more than that cost, to its resale value. Sharpen your pencil and see if buying a new or new-ish Volvo makes more sense than holding onto a trucker's truck from the past which is costing you extra fuel money every time you visit a pump, which I'd bet is pretty often. Getting better mpg in a newer truck will make up for a lot of the sins you think new trucks have. Insulating yourself from fuel price fluctuations as much as you can, will translate to more retirement funds sooner. You've had your fun driving the macho-man truck. Time to start looking at how you can add an extra mil or so to your final net worth, by getting rid of what's becoming a money pit. Hey, maybe I'm wrong and this is the last problem the truck will have. But I think I'd take my side of that bet without too many worries of being wrong. I'd shine it up, find someone who it's the dream truck for, and find a truck which shouldn't have these problems for another 500K miles at least.

[@MrBillius46]

I live just outside of Richmond, Indiana. Wish I had seen you. Safe travels.

[@BureauKat]

Ahhh, Richmond Indiana. Driving from Buffalo NY to school, The blue arch between Indiana and Ohio and then seeing Richmond meant just one thing-just two more hours to go!

[@yafon-hs3zd]

I'm sure the tech remove the condensed to install the radiator, is very common when you recharge a system you move debris around the lines, probably the capillary tube is block , I would replace it , and also the dryer, I would check the proportining valve and flush the hoses..than recharge the system...I'm at technician at truck dealer and is very common issue..

[@joniloumckinster111]

Kurt --- fix First Class! We all like you and First Class and all, but we need to see Opie and even Jax in the truck with you!!! Stay safe out there!!!

[@joeprocopio494]

Joe from New Jersey!! Hi Kurt sometimes change is good!! Cant wait to see!! Be safe my friend!!😅

[@Casandra1959]

Hi I -40 is terrible in N.C. I would use 85 , 40 and 19/23 west going home to parent's home in Andrews, N.C. They were I from. Just a good old mountain girl raised back in a mountain hollow about a 1/2 mile off the main road of 19/23 west. No afense but I hated when I would get behind a big truck going through Nantahala gorge. It is a narrow 2 lane road with the Nantahala river on one side and the mountain on the other. With the snaking curves that would set the back of your hair stand up if you wasn't use to driving that old road.It that way from the time you start up the mountain and through the gorge to you get to Andrews. I hope you never have to drive it in your truck. Cassie❤

[@kimdalin6191]

You need to hook up with Mr. Martin from Trucking Together videos..master mechanic very knowledgeable. And why does it always work that way..when you get work done on the truck something else goes bad right after the fact. Love your humor and quirkyness but i think we need that in this line of work or we'd be crying all the time. Lol good luck with the fixes and stay safe.

[@scottlambert2949]

It's good to see first class clean again and drive safe out there and see you next time

[@burtcampbell1452]

Condenser for sure

[@AEO123]

Hello from Richmond!!

[@tylerdunn6578]

Bleed some out if it gets colder afterwards you had to much in it. Only holds 4 pounds at tops would be 4.5 pounds give or take I have a gauge and at 4pounds it does great but 4.5 it throws ice at you 😂

[@terryreeves4308]

Spray soapy water around air-conditioned pipes to check for leaks.check compressor fir oil level as it leaks out when gas leaks out.

[@timatwell3728]

Kurt your a/c problem is more then likely is when they broke the system to remove the condenser they never capped the lines so moisture got in the system and they never pulled a vacuum on it which it should have the filter dryer replaced anytime the system is opened i don't no how old the one is on first class but if you no someone that has a vacuum pump that will pull it down and see if it will hold the draw down if it does try and refill the system don't no if there's a rural king store near you or not but they have Freon on sale $7.49 a can and it doesn't have the so called leak stop in it just Freon that would be the cheapest way or buy a new filter dryer then pull vacuum then refill system moisture will cause the pressure to go up and down hope this might help you may have to do like Dan done buy a set of gauges and vacuum pump and fix it your self for what getting it charged 1 time will pay for your equipment that you will have to work on the next vehicle that has a/c problems

[@tateselby1090]

It is most likely a high pressure switch if the switch is bad it can cause the compressor not to kick on

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

That's what I was thinking. I ended up letting freon out of the system and it started work8ng better, but not the same as before Work. Now I just need to remember where that switch location is.

[@stevencaka]

@truckingwithschmidt Yes sir. That you will. Best if you can get “First Class” home & deal with that a/c amongst your grille bar issues there Kurt.

[@WanderI0WA]

Hope you get the AC fixed.

[@Brett235]

I need to get my truck washed. It's been almost a month. It's rained on and off every day for two months here.

[@peteengard9966]

A couple of things to check. Ground on the compressor, high and low pressure switches plugged in correctly. No bent pins on the switches. Expansion valve freezing up. Evaporator core freezing. It's been about 10 years since I worked on a KW a/c system. I remember them having an orfice tube and accumulator.(Silver can) See if it frost up. That would indicate that moisture was introduced into the system and not vacuumed out. When I worked on the large capacity a/c systems with the sleeper a/c I would vacuum for an hour or more.

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Thank you

[@stevencaka]

Yes, I remember a well renowned truck mechanic of mine at Performance Kenworth telling me the same things

[@Brett235]

I had to put a paperclip in my low pressure switch the other day until I could get a new switch. I drive an old 1997 Peterbilt.

[@checker3694]

I am not saying do this, but in Hot middle Eastern countries to get colder they use Propane instead of R134. You need to get it to a shop and have it checked running on Low and high pressure gauges.

[@charlesbutler8057]

Talksee: Conversation where participants can see and hear each other usually within the same physical space as opposed to a phone conversation.

[@danielloveall2952]

Kurt I got to tell you every time I look at first class I get so excited I love that truck I think I'm past my Prime now I'm I'm 60 years old I don't think I'll get to own a truck but I do love that truck right there hood and all

[@pcs5852]

Maybe not. I retired from driving at 71 and there are older olde phartes than me out there.

[@delnuckolls5378]

Hi. How are All U doing?? Like the Video and Scenery! Thanks for Sharing. Nice W900 is Fixed for Now!! If U Want Stay Cool in Sleeper and Not Run Truck or Buy APU to Stay COOL, Use UR POWER STATION with Solar Panels that Showed in Few Videos like when Went to Colorado Recently that Powered Ur Lil Refrigerator in back of Dually , Buy PORTABLE AC unit off of HSN, Amazon or Something to Use in Sleeper and Be Comfortable!!! I Rather Do That, MUCH CHEAPER in Long Run than Buying APU and Doing Maintenance and Buying Fuel for APU!! Take Care Amigo 😇💪😎

[@alabamared2568]

I'm sorry Kurt it's like a driver can't catch a break it's one of those things with being an O/O but I know you will prevail you and first class. Have a safe trip and hope you can get it fixed soon. Btw next week the heat returns to most of the Midwest heads up ok!!!

[@mickthurston9883]

Nuts about the AC. Your bills are brutal lately. The change is ominous. Luck be with you

[@2DSTORMS]

Indiana was horrible when I trucked for West Side Transport. The connections between bridge and highway were ROUGH. Simply horrendous!!

[@douglassmith6448]

Stay cool in truck

[@heatherkohlwey8379]

I've been on those Indiana roads with an old Schwan's truck (the Hillbilly Highrise) pulling a big enclosed trailer. Nothing but leaf springs. That was beyond brutal. If my hubby was home, I'd ask about your AC. He's still working. Safe travels, and God bless.

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Love the name hillbilly highrise

[@heatherkohlwey8379]

You've seen the pictures with the pop-up camper mounted on the back.

[@BS-Outdoors1320]

It's short cycling which is what happens when it's low on Freon.

[@jaamm8682]

Random working and then not working a/c in my experience has been a faulty expansion valve.

[@rolfsinkgraven]

Check the front ac system i guess the fan has caused more damage then was visible, look for dents and cracks on it.

[@woody95124]

Nice vid after trk being down..Don't guess on air conditioning..It will drive u crazy..Putting gauges on system will tell u whts wrong or at least wht dir to go...Be safe bud..

[@mario_G155]

You do what works for you and your truck.

[@slgordon3]

I remember Spuds McKenzie 😂

[@dave550821]

EVERYTIME without fail after I left a shop after a repair something that was working just fine and unrelated to said shop repair BREAKS.

[@chrishelms1967]

Sunrise 🌄 is the Devil 😈

[@matthewselman8397]

Thanks for the video trucking with Schmidt

[@eddierice3114]

Hi Kurt, try putting your cooling fan on manual and see if the more sucks through. It brings the temperature colder again. If that is the case, you might have a clogged condenser cooler at night because there’s no sun beating on the front of the truck. Good luck I hope that works for you.

[@blackeasyrider8287]

Used the same AutoZone cheap gauge/refill on my 2005 Subaru Forester 2 years ago immediately cold traveling LA-Denver with Harley choppers on a utility trailer and finally needing another refill!

[@ginobiondi2722]

Well sometimes desperate measures call for drastic measures. I agree not the best solution but better than feeling like a rotisserie chicken, it’s worth a try.

[@garyyoung1219]

He done the wild thing on my leg😂😂😂

[@stevenrobinson2381]

Expansion valve in the A/C. It's sticking.

[@boblamb8421]

The curse of having work done. AC lines that have some age on them become hard and brittle. As long as they are not disturbed or moved they will remain fine for years but as soon as they are disturbed what you are experiencing is a leak that will not get better. When the compressor began cycling it was low on freon but when the pressures drop that also allows moisture to enter the system. That is why you are seeing the decreased temps out of the vents. The system needs to be leak checked. Leaks fixed. Evacuated then re-charged. They sell small cans of dye that contains a bit of 134A freon as a propellent. Any leaks seen will be greenish and will have a phosphorus effect that can be detected using a black light. It's easy to trouble shoot an AC system and any hoses that are found to be leaking if not available locally are repairable. An automotive AC repair shop can rebuild the hose assemblies at a reasonable price then recharge it. .

[@charlesdyer2376]

Makes Me wonder if they messed with the A/C lines when they changed the Rad at the repair shop !

[@thewatchmen4920]

Hey SCHIMDT. Sometimes it seems like you can't win from losing. But it happens . Some 🌪️ victims have lost everything that they own in a home that they've just bought or build and to lose it all in seconds . Really life is a 🤬 but you have to just keep the wheels turning. Don't forget the new belt. Could it be slipping 🤔. It will be better. Safe Travels SCHIMDT. 🚛💨💨💨💨💨

[@thomasthibedeau]

A talk-see is we will talk and see what happens.

[@scottycollins1829]

Gr8 Vid Mr Kurt

[@elijames3041]

Good evening Josh

[@fredtotal33]

if you A/C system has a dryer/filter you may need to replace it...could be clogged. Also check the drive belt for the A/C ...hope this helps

[@MiaMia-zw5wu]

We rescued a bull terrier from the ARL a few months ago. We named him Tony because of his nose lmao. But we can tell people's ages when they see the dog people our age and older call him the spud dog. People who are younger or women call him the Target dog. Also, I think a higher power is telling you Opie shouldn't be trucking anymore

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

If ya come to Kansas you will get th a/c fixed this week anyway. Stay safe and havagudun.

[@garyjanssen5388]

You still are the gentle giant with your gear-changing, wished you and Interweb had been around 25 years ago haha, have a safe one from New Zealand. Chook.

[@danielgarver2660]

Supertruckerdan last year had AC problems in the orange truck and bought a decent guage set at Harbor Freight.

[@eddiemizen3703]

Hill billy Schmidt on the road 😂😂

[@FastestSN95]

I drove 70 with my travel trailer. I thought it was going to be destroyed! Wrote the Gov and Hiway dept. They said the Hiway is past its useful life. Really! Why hasn’t it been replaced BEFORE IT FAILED!!!

[@AnthonyKendrick-pn2bc]

Check the level of your engine coolant level, and check condenser for being clogged up with debris or too many fins being bent over.

[@TheCripeCrew]

I live in Indiana near that awful stretch of I70 and avoid it like the plague. I’m sorry our roads weren’t kind to your truck. The state keeps telling us the road will be nice when it’s finished but it feels like it will never be finished

[@michellejaquez8809]

Awesome video enjoyed it a lot.

[@MrBayoubig]

if they broke the lines at last shop fittings might not be tight enough or they nicked a seal on a line make freon leak out AC

[@kennethsmith8968]

sunrise is the devil,lol.i agree buddy.oh and instead of just calling ur truck 1st class u should treat it like 1st class and get those damn grill bars replaced.pride in ur ride just sayin.

[@dalekronk496]

I have used the can many time. Are they the answer? No. But its like fix a flat it will get you home. Being you didn't use all of the can whats left in the can still be used if needed

[@davidbreman2494]

Kurt hey bye the way just take it home and let a A/C repair company work on the unit don't mess your compresser up also those LED lights you bought a couple years ago put them clearance lights on

[@scottycollins1829]

Greetings 2 All of U

[@thomaspetroff9117]

Hate to hear about your AC issues. Sounds like high head pressure switch kicking out to protect the compressor. First place I would look and make sure the fan is coming on. In your previous video you mentioned how much smoother and quite the new fan was. Those bearings must have been going out for awhile, but you should still hear the Fan Roar when it's engaged. Stay Safe and keep First Class Loud and Proud. TGP

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Fan still kicks on

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS

[@alanunseld4942]

65 in ky is rough too🙋‍♂️

[@dougmcallister212]

Your poor W9 😢. Sad.

[@SG-ze9no]

My son said that it might be the air conditioner switch. He works on competition cars and so many more. Anyway, you know if it’s not the bouncy roads it’s the road construction 🚧 😃🦮🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Tell him thanks, I will check it out

[@davidrains9899]

AC clutch maybe

[@scottycollins1829]

Safe Travels out there 😎👍🏾🙂🙏🏾📢📢📢📢📢📢📢🇺🇸🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊

[@TomNorton-wz1rx]

Running with no ac or limited ac in the summer sucks, hope you find the problem, not to give my age away but I remember when the trucks didn’t have any type of ac and they got hot

[@BureauKat]

I remember living in Indiana and then moving to DC I had an old Datsun with no AC. The worst was the plastic seats. The things we endured being young.

[@skippyjones4195]

Hey Kurt 👍☮️💪🏻❤️✌️

[@sandie062985]

If you have time take 2 wrench’s and see if or tighten they could be a hair loose

[@daroldskaggs189]

check the belt see if it’s tight

[@anthonysmith3827]

You can absolutely reuse it.Just do not unscrew the gauge off and you will be good to go.

[@dashhoundlover2837]

HELLO KURT MAN IM PRAYING ON THE AC I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND MY GOSH $$$$$ ! BUT HEY BROTHER IT BEATS THEM MAJOR MAGA TRUCK PAYMENTS !! BE BLESSED BE SAFE 🙌🙌🚂🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🙏

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Right on

[@scottycollins1829]

Spud Mckenzie Dog is Gr8 Timez Commercials

[@stevetrowbridge7101]

stay with frist class old things are built better be safe .