Well, I have come to the conclusion that I probably have two problems with my system.
The first problem is I believe there is a very slow leak somewhere because quite a few months ago I recharged (added to) the system and my compressor wasn't cycling nowhere near as much as before I charged it (every 3 seconds), and it was putting out air around the 44-46 deg range while sitting in the driveway. Today it cycles on-off every 5 seconds and it doesn't matter what the ambient temp is. The air coming out of the vents is not very cold either. Now, I can understand this as I purchased it used with about 43,000 miles on it and I have no idea if the previous owner maintained it properly like running it once or twice a month to keep the seals in good shape.

The second problem I believe I have is the infernal F@#%ing blend door. I feel it is malfunctioning because when I am driving down the road when I have a good charge of refrigerant in it, the air from the vents will switch from blowing cold to blowing at ambient temperature, then go back to blowing cold again, and so forth and so on, which naturally causes me to utter words that would make my dear deceased grandmother blush. It doesn't matter if I'm accelerating or braking, it acts the same. Except sitting in the driveway. It will blow cold sitting in the driveway. At least it did after the last time I charged it.

Now, like I said previously, I can understand the chance of a possible small leak, but what I can't understand is why the blend door breaks! I have read a lot of posts from users here that have problems with their blend door. Why does the bloody thing break??
I hate the idea of taking my dash apart to fix it, and I hate the idea of taking it to the dealer because of $$$$.
If anybody thinks I'm wrong about anything, by all means, please say so.

This sucks.
Guys, help....any ideas???

Reloader

 

Sorry, dude, looks like a blend door replacement is in your future.

As for an AC leak, inject UV dye into the system, then inspect it with a black light after it indicates your charge is low again. The dye will glow in the UV light and show you where the leaks are. The dye is available at most auto parts stores.

Steve

 

Dye is already in the system, so all you'll need is a blacklight to start poking around for leaks. Yellow tinted glasses (like safety glasses or shooting glasses) helps highlight the dye even more when you pass over it with the light. Common leak points include the front compressor seal and manifold line assembly. Run your hand across the lines and connections in the system, looking for any black oily dirt residue, chances are that's where your leak(s) is/are.

In regards to the blend door, I dunno, it's just a poor design. Ford has a similar setup on '98-'02 Lincoln Town Cars. The motor itself for whatever reason is stronger than the door, so the door breaks long before the motor does. And in that particular car, the blend door is not servicable seperately, you've gotta replace the entire plentum chamber. It was bassackwards in older Town Cars, they had nylon gears inside the blend door motor that'd strip out and a metal arm (instead of plastic) that the blend door motor connected to. My dad's '97 needs a blend door, I've just been putting it off as long as I can. Hopefully it'll last 'till this fall when I can do it at home once it cools down some.

 

A stupid question.........
When evidence of a leak is found with the blacklight, what color will it be?
I know, it probably doesn't matter because whatever color it is, it will be a color that should not be seen on the A/C components.
Is that sort of correct?

 

It'll be a bright flourescent green.

 

Thanks Quintin.

 

Found out anything yet?

 

Not yet. I've been working long hours and it's getting dark by the time I get home and my brain is fried about 4:00 every day. I'm off Friday for 4 days this weekend so I will go and check. I have a black light so I should be able to see if there are any leaks. Now, what if I don't see any telltale signs anywhere in the engine compartment?

 

I'm pretty sure you will. 'Tis the season for broken A/C, and the most common leaks I've seen IME are front compressor seals and manifold lines, with maybe a service port or two running a distant third. You may have to take the front plate off the A/C clutch to fully inspect the front compressor seal. Feel the front of the pulley for any black, oily type residue. I fortunately haven't seen very many (like two over the course of almost six years) evaporators leaking in these trucks.

 

Okay, I'll keep all that in mind when I check. When I do, I'll post here. Geez, I hope it won't be to much $$$ to fix.......

 

Cool, keep us posted.