DIY A/C Fix
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Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11
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From: Long Island, NY
DIY A/C Fix
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to run this by whomever...
I've got a '97 f-150 without any AC. When I purchased the truck last summer, it had not worked then, nor the previus owner could recall when It last did.
I've only used the DIY kits on the older systems, but I dont believe the refill is that much different, right?
When unscrewed the cap which revealed the (presta?) valve, upon depressing it, the last breathe of coolant, seeped out.
I'm pretty sure it just might be out of "R-whatever".
So, I'm basically just going to refill it with one of those kits...I hope.
I'm just wondering if anyone has some kind of advice before I go upon tackling such a task?
I'm also not so sure as to how much lubricant I should add along with the coolant, any ideas there?
Any responses will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a ton,
Jay.
I just wanted to run this by whomever...
I've got a '97 f-150 without any AC. When I purchased the truck last summer, it had not worked then, nor the previus owner could recall when It last did.
I've only used the DIY kits on the older systems, but I dont believe the refill is that much different, right?
When unscrewed the cap which revealed the (presta?) valve, upon depressing it, the last breathe of coolant, seeped out.
I'm pretty sure it just might be out of "R-whatever".
So, I'm basically just going to refill it with one of those kits...I hope.
I'm just wondering if anyone has some kind of advice before I go upon tackling such a task?
I'm also not so sure as to how much lubricant I should add along with the coolant, any ideas there?
Any responses will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a ton,
Jay.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
The sticker on the fan shroud should state what your system is running. It should be 134a, I believe. My advice would be to get a professional to pull a vac on it in order to get any moisture out of the system, and then let them charge it. They can also put a dye in the system in order to detect the leak in the system. Refilling it will only treat the symptom and not cure the problem(leak).
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Ohio
I can only echo the previous post and say if there is not refrigerant then ther is a leak somewhere. The system has spent some time inactive and because of changes in temperature some moisture may have been drawn in VIA the point of leak. Yes it happens. Moisture and refrigerant oil are enemies. The moisture always wins. Maybe not soon but in the end.
Since the system has been empty for a period, I really suggest a pro shop. A vaccum and an oil sample can be taken. Example: Depending on the amount of moisture (not if, the system was empty remember) your problems will range from sludging, orfice failure, acidity levels high, and comressor failure. Yes you can pop some juice in it and maybe you'll get lucky. I would only do that if you don't want to spend any real cash, and if it pops, you really don't care. Keep in mind, many people have done this and got by. I wouldn't, but I am a HVAC/refer tech and have the tools and equipment to do it myself.
Since the system has been empty for a period, I really suggest a pro shop. A vaccum and an oil sample can be taken. Example: Depending on the amount of moisture (not if, the system was empty remember) your problems will range from sludging, orfice failure, acidity levels high, and comressor failure. Yes you can pop some juice in it and maybe you'll get lucky. I would only do that if you don't want to spend any real cash, and if it pops, you really don't care. Keep in mind, many people have done this and got by. I wouldn't, but I am a HVAC/refer tech and have the tools and equipment to do it myself.