Compressor

[Oakheart]

Mine seems to clutching on and off way to much. Like every 20 seconds when the AC or defrost is on. This just started as the weather has warmed up and I started using the AC. Any thoughts?

 

[410Fortune]

getting low on fluid

 

[Oakheart]

What??

 

[410Fortune]

Sorry it sounds like your AC system is getting low on Coolant.
needs a leak test and a re-charge

 

[Iowa Hick]

When the ac gets low on freon the compressor will kick on and off like that, you really shouldn't run it until you get it filled, kicking on and off like that can burn up the clutch

I would guesss since your Explorer is a 93 it is probably running R-134a freon, if so you can pick up a can or two at wal-mart, I would recommend the kind with stop leak in it, then you need a set of gauges to use when you put the freon in or else you could over fill it and burn up the compressor, basically ruining every ac component on your car

If its running R-12 then you can either buy some R-12 additive or change the system over to R-134a for about $40

 

[Oakheart]

Thank you both for the help what kind of gauges would I need?? Also how do I know which system I am running??

 

[andy stein]

Ford changed to R134a in all models starting in 1993.

 

[Oakheart]

thanks

 

[Iowa Hick]

its Basically just a pressure gauge you hook up to lines while you are putting freon in, you can hook the freon can straight to the lines if you want but then you have to just watch the compressor and use your best judgement of when there is enough freon in to keep it from kicking the clutch on and off

 

[Glacier991]

A) cycling doesn't really hurt the clutch. B) you are way ahead if pick up REAL gauge set instead of the mickey mouse crap you get in a "recharge" kit. C) depending on the ambient temps, the system may cycle fequently (like below 50 degrees outside ambient ad on defrost.) In all liklihood, you may need to add some refrigerant. There is a "useful thread" on here (in the "Useful Threads Forum) on AC you might want to read.

 

[Iowa Hick]

A) cycling doesn't really hurt the clutch

We've had a clutch go out of a compressor because we were low on freon before

 

[Oakheart]

I found a guy here at work that has the guages I need so when I pick up the refridgerant.

 

[slag]

good luck trying to get it done for $40.00 (changeover I mean)

At a minimum you need a good vacuum pump, set of gauges, new drier, a complete AC system flush (r12 and r134a are not compatible), a new set of high and low fittings, 134a, etc. This is really not a job for a home mechanic if you don't know what you are doing.

Look to spend at least $150-$200 to do it "right"

 

[Oakheart]

well mine is a 93 so it already has the 134a so I think I am good.

 

[Iowa Hick]

good luck trying to get it done for $40.00 (changeover I mean)

At a minimum you need a good vacuum pump, set of gauges, new drier, a complete AC system flush (r12 and r134a are not compatible), a new set of high and low fittings, 134a, etc. This is really not a job for a home mechanic if you don't know what you are doing.

Look to spend at least $150-$200 to do it "right"

I have done the conversion using only the $40 Wal-Mart kit and the AC worked great, You only need a vacuum pump if your AC system has lost all the freon, if you still have a sealed system your good to go, the wal mart kit comes with freon, a cheap hose to put it in with, a can of oil you add and all the fittings you need, you don't need to flush the AC system, its not really that big of a deal to change a car over to 134a

 

[TheJMan]

Make sure you have R134 because I have a 1993 and I have R12. I believe midway through the 1993 model year Ford changed from R12 ro R134 and also added EGR.

 

[Iowa Hick]

You should be able to tell which you have based on the fittings on the lines, as someone pointed out earlier when you change a vehicle from R-12 to R-134a you change the fittings so if you have new style fittings you have 134a

 

[Glacier991]

IF you plan to retrofit, I recommend you read the thread in the Useful Threads forum, entitled Retrofitting to 134A. On this point I am full agreement with Slag.