On 5/29/07, Michael Diehr <md03@xochi.com> wrote:
>
> Is there any downside to rapid cycling of the AC compressor?  I
> believe that some AC systems do not like to be turned on & off
> rapidly, at least I'm pretty sure I've seen such warnings on home ac
> units...   "Wait at least 3 minutes before turning back on".       Or
> am I thinking of video projector bulbs? :-)

Yeah, I was curious about that too, but it appears that's not so much an
issue with car compressors.  Near as I can tell after 10 minutes internet
"research", the "wait X minutes before restarting" is to keep electric
compressors from starting up against excessive high-side pressure, stalling
out, and frying the motor. Since car compressors are belt driven off the
pulley, I reckon there's no windings to burn...

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"