First I'll appologize for not doing a better search. I did do one and read through a few pages but wasn't able to find a definitive.

I have an 03 that the end of last year started to blow a white fog intot eh cab when the AC was on. I took it tot eh dealer and they replaced the High pressure hose becasue it was clogged. That was at teh end of the season so the air wasn't used much after that. This year I turn the AC on and it was fine, for a couple weeks. Then I started getting the fog again. I took it back to the dealer and the tested it and said it was fine. They coulnd't get the fog to happen either. But it had a 48* drop in temp on test which the guy said was good. Basically the tech told me it was just condensation and I should try using the recirculate setting more.

Now I've figured out exactly when it will blow the fog. When pulling away from a red light and getting up to speed, not racing just normal driving. I've noticed the AC stops blowing ice cold (colder than outside but noticably warmer than the AC was) and once I'm cruising the fog will blow then it blows cold again. I'm starting to wonder if the belt is slipping for some reason. Any opinions?

The second question is about the belt. I was going to get a Gatorback since I've heard good things about them. But I can't seem to nail down the part #. Autozone wants to sell me the 4081265 (126.5") Other sources want to list it as 4081261 (126.1"). I read a forum I found on a search that the 4081265 was too long and caused problems. I searched my manuals and can't find the length required in it, that would ahve been the simple way to fix this. I could get the Dayco all day from the local stores but I've had problems with them on my other cars. So I'm looking for a better grade. I'll even buy one from the dodge dealer but I want to make sure the part #/length. I'd rather know what I need that to depend on them,they have shown to have questionable knowledge regarding the cars they service.

Thanks all.

 

The 126.1" is the correct length, but you can use the 126.5" without problems. I like Gates belts and hoses, and took the one shown in Auto Parts Giant for my application. Been in there about a year and a half with no problems. It would be highly advisable to replace the tensioner while you're at it.

Mine will throw a little fog once in a while. Seems to be when I'm first starting out on an unusually muggy day. Only noticed it a few times.

 

So do you think the belt is slipping or os the AC acting normal? it doesnt' squeal and the belt looks ok. I guess it has 112K miles on it, so it shows some wear. I don't see slick glazing anywhere, but I'm guessing it isn't as good as it was new.

I'm really trying to figure out why the AC doesn't seem to cool when accelerating from a stop.

Thanks for the info on the belt. I appreciate it.

 

Guess it depends on how much fog we're talking about. As I said, mine's only done it a few times and for a very short time, so I'm not worried about it. If your's is doing it a lot, then maybe it's a problem.

Your belt is probably not slipping, as it would likely squeal pretty loud, but at 112k and 5 years, it's due for replacement anyway. A new belt and tensioner is about $150, but well worth it when you consider that these parts are notorious for failing when you're going up a mountain with 20k in tow and you're 100 miles from home.