Help guys,
The A/C wasn't cooling very well this past Thursday so I put in a can of R-134. Low side pressure went up to about 35 PSI and it was cooling like a champ. Saturday morning when I got up to run errands, all I got was ambient air from the fan. Since we're already spiking into the 90's down here I'd like to jump on this, I'm driving 200 miles to Dallas this weekend to help my parents move, and it would be nice to have it working for the wife and kids. So, I guess the question is , where do I start? Should I look for oil (didn't find any on the compressor Saturday), get some of that UV leak detector and a light? Just take it to a shop? I replaced the entire system on a Mazda pickup by myself, took a whole weekend and caused alot of headaches (literally) laying upside down in the seat changing the evaporator out. Is this a viable do it yourselfer. I have gauges and access to a couple of vacuum pumps. Do our A/C units have an orifice or an expansion valve? Thanks for any and all input.
Rick

 

Help! Anyone?

 

What year model? Starting in 1998 , I THINK, Ford started putting dye in from the factory. And all the late model fords use the fixed orifice tube.. not sure on pre- 1995 models..

FordMasterTech

 

Thanks for the response, I was starting to worry. It is a 1998 4.6 liter, 5 speed. Will I need to replace the accumulator with whatever else is wrong?
Rick

 

you put in an entire can of refridgerant on a system that "wasn't cooling very well"...I'll bet if you check the high side of the system it's through the roof...diagnosis; over charged...take it to a pro..preferably a shop that does auto A/C only...theres a few out there...if they ask how it got over charged ,blame it on the dealer,'cause they'll nail 'ya if you say you did it, right in the pocket book

 

My 98 lost the compressor shaft seal over time. It left traces of oil on the steering linkage but not much on the compressor. It was easy to tell the compressor was getting weak also, as the pressures would change as the system warmed up. In other words, the pressures would be more equal over a few minutes. Especially after revving the engine slightly. So even though a $2.00 seal went bad, the entire compressor was going south.

I got a new one at Pep Boys for $225.00 or so. I added 9 Oz of the proper oil, installed it and left it on the vacuum pump for two hours.

I did not change any other parts, as leaving the vacuum pump on that long dries out the dessicant well enough.

It works great.

Chris

 

you might also make note that the f150's are prone to rock caused holes in the condensing coil....hell even a good size locust will do it....that could be an additional leak source

 

Thanks guys, been replacing brake pads and shoes all evening. I'll check the highside pressure and condensor as well as look for oil adjacent to the compressor seal in the morning. There is an A/C shop on the way in to work, I may just drop it off and let them diagnose it for me. Too pooped to pop right now.
Rick

 

Well the shop said it is the seals, so far the cheapest I have been able to find a compressor is 289.99. First brakes, now the A/C, and the clutch is starting to go. I'm getting a blower from Crash, my fuel pump from Mad came in yesterday, and I'll probably need new gears. Anyone have some winning lotto numbers? My wife told me to get a hobby, now she thinks I'm an idiot. Who am I to argue with her?Lol.
Rick