1995 Air Conditioner Issues

[icody]

Well it happened..My air contitioiner finially died. It would only blow hot air. I bypasssed the low pressure switch and the compressor kicked on but still no cold air. I figured it was due to low freon. I took it to a mechanic and he evacuated the system and then tried to put new stull in (r-134) but it would not take any. He then tells me that there is some sort of blockage in the system. So my question is where should I start replacing first? Hopefully I will find ther blockage and then I can take it back to have it filled. I have heard that it copuld be either the Accumulator or the Orifice Tube? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated as its hot out!!

 

[cjbarron5]

try the orfice tube first and see what it looks like then if it looks "clean" do the accumilator

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

try the orfice tube first and see what it looks like then if it looks "clean" do the accumilator

Yup - the O-tube is a $4 screen. Evac the sysem and start there.

 

[icody]

Thanks all for the help!

Wooohooo. I replaced the Orifice Tube and the Accumulator Tank (just in case) and I also replaced every O-ring. and then it took about 2 can to top off the system and it cools like a champ! Thanks all
This Forum has saved my butt every time!!
Drinks are on me!!!

 

[J. Kennedy]

Anybody have pix? What do these look like?

icody, what did the parts cost you?

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Did you evacuate the system???

If not... be prepared for major breakage very soon and poor cooling.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Anybody have pix? What do these look like?

My accumulator rusted out, here's my writeup, with pics:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=667436#post667436

1997 V8 Accumulator:

1997 V8 Orifice Tube:

 

[icody]

Spoke too soon...

:fire: Well after the car has ran for awhile I noticed it was not cooling that well. I opened the hood and noticed that the Compressor was again running for about 3 secs and shut off then 3 sec and off...etc.
I cannot add anymore R134 as it won't take it. I am going to take apart the Accumolator and the Orifice tube to look at them again to see it it again is plugged. I should have cleaned out the Evaporator. How do I go about flushing that out??? Can I use air pressure or will that hurt it? I have seen the flush products, do I just poor that in the higher side of the evaporator and then catch it on the lower side and keep blowing air to pressure it out?

Of course this is only if the Orifice tube is again blocked. I didn't have a vacum pump so I wasn't able to take the air out of the system, would that cause not being able to add sufficient R134? If I find the Orifice tube is clean (or if not then after I flush the Evaporator) should I take it to a mechanic and have them evacuate the system again and then have them add the R134?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'll take off the Accumolator and the Orifice tube tomorrow and pass along the results..Wouls appreciate any ideas on the above areas!
Thanks

 

[icody]

I had them evacuate the system before I torn it down. Should I have them evacuate it again?

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

You must have them evacuate the system again, and charge into a vacuum. If you don't vacuum out the system, it will already be filled with air. This will mean an air/134 mix, and the air won't provide and heat transfer for cooling. It might also allow for acid formation in the system.

If the orificie tube was covered in crud, then your compressor is toast and has most likley suffered "black death."

 

[icody]

Crud...Maybe??

Well I tore back down my Air Conditioner...as it would not take any R134. It might just be that I didn't evactuate the system, but I wanted to give another look at the orifice tube to make sure it wasn't clogged again. I opened up the location of the tube and was happy to see that it was not clogged...So I'm thinking it wouldn't take any more R134 as I have to have the system evacuated to remove the air and then filled properly. If that doesn't work then I will replace the Compressor (only $249.00 for reman unit!)
A review of what I have done so far...
1. Replaced the Accumlator Tank
2. Replaced all the seals with new green ones
3. Replaced the orifoce Tube (its was clogged with some grey matter but not all over the tube just the end portion)

Will get it evacuated and see if thats the issue! Any ideas if that could be it. I think the compressor is Ok as it seems to cycle OK when I bypass the low pressure switch.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Here is a photo of what your orifice tube would have looked like if your compressor self destructed and suffered from "black death."

Photo curtesy of http://www.ackits.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=black death

If it was not that bad, and just a few particles, you can breifly test your compressor by turning the inner ring of the clutch by hand, with the truck off. You shouldn't find any major bumps or spots that are "rough."

If your compressor passes these two tests, based on your work you should be able to get the system evacuated and then filled.

When I charge A/C systems, I figure out how much gas to put in via three ways, in this order:
1) Digital thermometer in dash vents
2) Manifold gauge pressures
3) Listed capacity on truck. (You'll find this under the hood)

When the temometer gets to its lowest reading, thats when you're all set provided pressures are OK and you haven't exceeded the listed capacity.

There are many good threads on here about A/C - read them all.

 

[icody]

Orifice Tube Question..

I didn't pay that much attention (as I should have), which way according to you picture goes in first. Does the end with the brass tube go in first or does the screen end go in first? I know I should have noticed this... Sometimes I go too fast for my own good! Maybe thats my problem..I put the brass side in first. Just a thought? Any input appreciated!!

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

The long end points twords the front of the vehicle.

 

[icody]

Whew...OK I did that part right! Whew!!