Thank you. The accumulator is quite cold (if I am only running the dash AC on a low or medium setting, it would actually form frost on it, as well as the tubing going into the compressor low side. And I did replace it when I was fixing the AC system (wish I hadn't actually, as I did kink the tubing going to the evaporator while trying to remove it). It was quite seized. That alone does introduce a restriction into the system, as it's a decent kink, but removing the dash to replace the evaporator is something I am hoping not to do, lol. Do you think that could be a contributing factor?
Without removing the fan clutch to physically inspect it, there is no wobble or lateral motion of the fan, and it is tight to turn. At 1500 RPMs there seems to be quite a bit of air flow. I don't have a frame of reference unfortunately, as all my other cars have electric fans, but I did have a Tacoma 20 years ago, and this seems to blow harder (bigger fan certainly). I will try the paper towel roll trick when I run out of my roll of towels.
The condenser is clean, at least from the front. There are a handful of bent fins from road debris, but nothing significant. Can the condenser be dirty from the back, where it faces the radiator? If so, any good way to clean it without removing it? Should I just blast it with my power washer? I have a 3700 PSI washer. But yea, I wish it was as simple as a heater core valve that is no longer competent, but I didn't get any change from clamping the tubing that goes to it.
But I agree with you, there does seem to be some loss of efficiency. With the dash AC only, at highway speeds, and 91 degrees, I get 40-42 degrees. On a warm night (no sunlight to warm up the car), I can get 38 degrees idling with just the dash AC. The major loss of efficiency seems to be when I turn on the rear AC blower.
52 at idle is pretty good. I was about 56 to 58 today with all blowers on max at idle. Not terrible, still a good 30 degrees lower than ambient, but if I can find more efficiency out of the system, I would definitely take it.