A/C repair

[Lildon21]

I have a 1996 explorer that sat for a couple years, then had a used motor put into it. I've been running it for a few years now with no a/c and and trying to get it going.

I put power to the compressor and the clutch engages, but it hasn't had oil in it since the engine swap. I've also pulled a vacuum on the lines and it held at 30 for an hour, so I'm guessing there's no leaks.

Just wondering what I should replace before charging the system so I don't wast the refrigerant. I've got some PAG-46 oil for the compressor and have an accumulator/drier on the way.

Thanks!

 

[Pete Deering]

I have a 1996 explorer that sat for a couple years, then had a used motor put into it. I've been running it for a few years now with no a/c and and trying to get it going.

I put power to the compressor and the clutch engages, but it hasn't had oil in it since the engine swap. I've also pulled a vacuum on the lines and it held at 30 for an hour, so I'm guessing there's no leaks.

Just wondering what I should replace before charging the system so I don't wast the refrigerant. I've got some PAG-46 oil for the compressor and have an accumulator/drier on the way.

Thanks!

You also need a new orIfice ( I believe RED). you might need a orifice extractor. Its located in the bottom tube of the EVAP. You need too measure the oil in the compressor. If 0, than start there. The Evaporator .5 oz, hoses 0.5 oz. Condenser 1 oz. Drier 0.5 oz and the compressor, I want to Say 4oz off the top my head, you need too find out. On the radiator support there should be a label that say the max charge and oil 8 oz. The Pag-46 is the right oil. Your initial check is correct you need too pull a vacuum with the engine and system off, turn the can upside down open the valve the vacuum should pull in the 12 oz can. Once the system is equalize. Change cans and start your engine turn the system on, max fan Recir air , doors and windows closed and it should take the other 12oz can. The compressor will cycle, if the compressor runs continuous stop charging it full. note The compressor should be quiet when running. I believe the label says 28oz max. same as the oil charge 8 oz max. But the system should be blowing in the low 40 degree F. You also need a thermometer in the center vent. I see your weather is 70F, high side pressure should be 160 to 175 psi. Donald did a nice writeup. Find and read that. You also need too see if the compressor rotate. Turn the hub, Place a index mark it and turn it 10 rotation, this pre lube the compressor and your checking too see also if it lockup.

 

[C420sailor]

They evacuated the system during the engine swap?

To do it right, you need to replace that accumulator/drier. Technically, that should get replaced every time the system is opened, and yours has had air in it for the last few years so…

As mentioned, you now have to see how much oil is in the compressor (and the accumulator, if you replace that) and go from there. The factory manual (available on here) spells out how much to add to each component depending on how much you find in it.

Red orifice is correct.

 

[410Fortune]

I just did this yesterday on my F350.... very similar and exactly what Pete Deering said above.
I use a small pair of forceps to remove the orifice tube
SO far so good ICE cold AC

 

[Lildon21]

Awesome, thanks guys.
Also,

They evacuated the system during the engine swap?

To do it right, you need to replace that accumulator/drier. Technically, that should get replaced every time the system is opened, and yours has had air in it for the last few years so…

As mentioned, you now have to see how much oil is in the compressor (and the accumulator, if you replace that) and go from there. The factory manual (available on here) spells out how much to add to each component depending on how much you find in it.

Red orifice is correct.

Awesome, thanks guys.
Do you think it is necessary to replace/clean out the lines or condenser?

 

[Pete Deering]

Awesome, thanks guys.
Also,

Awesome, thanks guys.
Do you think it is necessary to replace/clean out the lines or condenser?

That a good question. The system hold a vacuum. If the compressor is original I would not. But if don't know the condition I would. Also the evaporator too. The condensor replacement is the best bang for your buck. It 25 years old. Look at the fins and see if there dirty or missing. A old condenser effect the performance of the system. If you are not replacing the compressor, i would add a new drier and orifice tube and go from there. That cheap money . get it working. Down the road, if your not happy with it. Replace the system. Rockauto sell a complete system as kit , you get everything you need. NOTE , you can't clean out a condenser, you can only replace.
Pull the orifice look at the screen. If it has debris on it, than you have too flush everything and you can also see the condition of the compressor.
If the orifice screen has gray Teflon paste caught in the screen the compressor is at its end of life.

 

[C420sailor]

As mentioned, you can’t flush a parallel condenser.

Generally, you only HAVE to flush if your compressor eats itself. But if you have a flush gun, it can’t hurt to disconnect everything, flush it all out (minus the condenser and accumulator—replace the accumulator), change the seals, reconnect.

 

[donalds]

You also need a new orIfice ( I believe RED). you might need a orifice extractor. Its located in the bottom tube of the EVAP. You need too measure the oil in the compressor. If 0, than start there. The Evaporator .5 oz, hoses 0.5 oz. Condenser 1 oz. Drier 0.5 oz and the compressor, I want to Say 4oz off the top my head, you need too find out. On the radiator support there should be a label that say the max charge and oil 8 oz. The Pag-46 is the right oil. Your initial check is correct you need too pull a vacuum with the engine and system off, turn the can upside down open the valve the vacuum should pull in the 12 oz can. Once the system is equalize. Change cans and start your engine turn the system on, max fan decir air , doors and windows closed and it should take the other 12oz can. The compressor will cycle, if the compressor runs continuous stop charging it full. note The compressor should be quiet when running. I believe the label says 28oz max. sme as the oil charge 8 oz max. But the system should be blowing in the low 40 degree F. You also need a thermometer in the center vent. I see your weather is 70F, high side pressure should be 160 to 175 psi. Donald did a nice writeup. Find and read that. You also need too see if the compressor rotate. Trap the hub, Place a index mark it and turn it 10 rotation, this pre lube the posting and your checking too see if it lockup.

air conditioning compressor

Thought I'd take a few pictures of the AC repair Give your buddy a 12 pack to evacuate your system I'm not a expert by no means Feel free to tell me what I did wrong so I can learn more AC compressor groaning 20+ years old We did replace every o ring with proper ones We replaced the quick...

www.explorerforum.com

Post #8 is the oil amount s

 

[Lildon21]

Perfect, thanks for all the info!