'01 Explorer A/C System

[killer2k]

HI,

I've got a bit of a problem with my A/C system. I does not pump cold air, so I figured I have no freon. I went out and got a complete kit for freon refilling, however, when I checked the presure it showed it's got freon in it. But I noticed something unusual. Whenever I start the A/C, something clicks like every 5 seconds or so and the RPMs go down. When I was checking the pressure for freon the needle would go up to a regullar filled level and would go down whenever that click came in.
Does anyone have any idea on what's going on?
Thanks

 

[Glacier991]

pressure cannot be checked in a non operating system with any meaning.... you ARE low on FREON. Wen the pump clicks in it starts pumping and soon runs low. The low pressure switch kicks off and the pressure slowly rises..... THE ONLY MEANINGFUL PRESSURE CHECKS OCCUR IN AN OPERATING SYSTEM !!!!!! (This is why I hate kits). Add Refrigerant.... the cycling will be les and less.. THEN check the pressure. Read the post on "Converting to 134a" (yes I know you aren't doing that) in the Helpful threads forum... it is an encyclopedia about AC. It wil explain everything.

 

[RiverRat]

Suva is the Dupont name for R134a. Freon is the old stuff (R12) that got phased out here. You have R134a in your truck.

Have it checked with a blacklight to help locate the leak. Putting in more refrigerant isn't going to fix the problem.

 

[Glacier991]

I knew as soon as I let someone get me to use the term freon I'd get in trouble <g>. "Refrigerant" is what I normally use. Ok at risk I am going to say this..... r-12 posed <poses> an ozone risk. r-134a poses a greenhouse risk. r-134a (notice how I am even being careful with caps) leaks or wants too ..badly.. The molecule size is soooooo small. At $5 a can..... add it to fix an older system that has finally leaked to a low point. DOit RUNNING!
If that fixes it and next year you have a problem, get it leak checked. For now, charge it, and see.

Ernest Google.

EPA - I did not write this. Someone using my name did.

r-12 is another matter. But do not treat the greenhouse effect of r-134a lightly either.

 

[RiverRat]

I know a few dudes that drive down to Mex and get their a/c systems charged every couple of months. Who knows what they are really getting. Anyway, I didn't want anyone reading the message board to somehow recharge their newer exploder with Freon.

I always learn a lot reading your posts Glacier and you are right about the R being r

 

[killer2k]

Allright, thanks for help, i'll try that...the guy at the auto store said that but the reading went high on the gauge before going back down so I said i better check it out first.
Didn't know R134a is not freon so thatnks for that too
Thanks

P.S. I always check the pressure while the system is running.