A/C system dead?

[config]

gpaps,
Did you get your A/C fixed? Mine is doing the same thing.

Config

 

[mgerard]

A/C recharged

Aloha,
I hooked up guage(cheap one from Walmart) and when the compressor went on the pressure went down to 25psi and then cycled on the pressure went to 45psi and vice versa. The compressor would only stay on for half a second. SO I took the chance and charged it with on pound of freon. I noticed that the compressor would stay on longer. Finally the air became cold again. Now the compressor will stay on and my guage says that I have about 30 psi. Wierd thing is that I recharged it to 45psi about a week and a half ago.

 

[Triton46]

mgerard,

You probably have a leak. I have noticed two pinholes in my low side A/C tubing. The holes spew out a little oil and hiss while the A/C is running.

I charged mine in April and had hot air blowing last weekend. I added another can of R-134a and am back to running cold again. The most common problem on non-R134a systems are the o-rings. Be sure to change your o-rings to R134a style rings, this is probably where your leak is. Also check your hoses, they tend to dry and crack over time.

 

[mgerard]

Leak

On my high side, I took off the red cap, and a hissing noise started. There was pressure being released. I tightened the cap again and no hiss or air coming out. My a/c system was replace entirely, two years ago. I retrofitted two months ago. No parts were changed by the mechanic.

Mike

 

[Triton46]

That was probably it then. I think I have a leak in my low side cap as well.

 

[mgerard]

leak fix

Aloha,
WIth the cap on, will it still leak? I thought the cap would prevent that. Do you know if I can change the fitting, the inner part? Just like changing the internal part of a tire nipple. Just unscrew old one and screw new one in, of course some pressure will be released.

Mike

 

[Triton46]

My low side leaks with the cap on. Not sure why, but it only seems to be a small amount coming out. Keep in mind these kits retrofit our old systems and won't be as tight as regular fittings (ours are fittings over fittings).

My R134a fittings screwed on over the old r12 fitting, however they also had thread lock on them. You should be able to remove/replace but I would just try tightening them up with wrench.

 

[mgerard]

Aloha,
I'll try to replace the high side nipple from a parts store and see if that works. If that is the problem, I'll be happy. Last week, the A/C was blowing Ice cold. I like that. I quess it is ok to use lock tite?\

Mahalo,
Mike

 

[Triton46]

The r134a replacements (that fit over your old r12 fittings) come with locktite already on the thread. It just keeps you from taking them off but does not prevent leakage.

I beleive someone on the board tried a thread sealer (like the white tape for plumbing) with some success. Good luck!

Check out www.aircondition.com . They have come in handy with all my questions.

 

[mgerard]

Thanks

Aloha,
Wow, great talking with you. Your help has been very valuable. I had the urge a few days ago to take A/C repair at the local community college. I still might.

Mahalo,
Mike

 

[Triton46]

You can pick up alot off the net. I started looking for information last year when I wanted to retrofit my 91 Sport. After that I started looking into replacing other parts. I've done all the work myself. Having a car that is easy to work on, like the Explorer, helps alot.

 

[config]

I had the A/C system re-charged this morning and everything was fine for about 20 minutes. After that the compressor would only kick on momentarily and shut off again. I had my wife bring it back to the place that charged it. I suspect the A/C cycle switch might be bad but I'll wait and find out what the technicians say.

 

[mgerard]

MIne too

Aloha,
That was the same thing that mine was doing. Low freon was the answer. You might have a leak. Could be from the dryer, new fittings (blue or red), or condensor(look for rocks and oil). Good luck.

Mike

 

[mathnerd]

If I am not mistaken the system is what is called a CCOT
(cycling clutch orifice tube) type. The compressor should cycle occasionaly, if it cycles on and off too quickly that would indicate low pressure. The system has both a low pressure switch and a super-heat switch. The low pressure switch keeps the compressor off when system pressure gets too low, the super-heat switch kills the compressor when the pressure gets too high resulting in high operating temps. An over charged system in hot weather can trigger the super-heat switch. Ford systems are notorious for the o-rings in the A/C system leaking, there are two different types, one for R-12 and one for R134a if you convert to R134a you should be sure and change the o-rings, you can get the tool at any auto parts store. Also be sure and drain the compressor of oil, replace the accumulator and flush the system before adding the R134a since it uses a different type of oil and is not compatible with the oil in R12 systems (it tends to congeal and plug things up)