Question on AC

[machafin]

Hey guys, I have a 2001 Explorer Sport 5 speed that is not pumping out cold air. I got one of those charge hoses with the gauge and it looks like it might be a little low. The question I have is, when I am sitting in idle with the air on, there will be a click and a drop in RPM about every 3-4 seconds. I was told this is the air compressor trying to cycle on but it does not have enough refrigerant in it to work properly.

Any ideas? Should I go ahead and try and charge it? Outside temperature is an even 70 F and the pressure starts around 50 psi and then drops lower and lower, how long should I let it cycle before I have the actual reading? Any help would be great, thanks everyone

 

[deweyville65]

Hey guys, I have a 2001 Explorer Sport 5 speed that is not pumping out cold air. I got one of those charge hoses with the gauge and it looks like it might be a little low. The question I have is, when I am sitting in idle with the air on, there will be a click and a drop in RPM about every 3-4 seconds. I was told this is the air compressor trying to cycle on but it does not have enough refrigerant in it to work properly.

Any ideas? Should I go ahead and try and charge it? Outside temperature is an even 70 F and the pressure starts around 50 psi and then drops lower and lower, how long should I let it cycle before I have the actual reading? Any help would be great, thanks everyone

Charge it until the gauge shows you are near full, and you have old air out the center vents. Try to run the engine a bit faster than idle, about 2000RPM, while charging if possible. You want about 40° outlet air at 70°F OAT, at minimum.

 

[machafin]

Will do, thank you for the help, should I let it cycle for a minute or two before I start to fill?

 

[deweyville65]

I would just go ahead and charge it. If it is real low, you can actually start charging the system before you start it. But in your case, start charging as soon as you start it. I have found you will probably have to shake the can while charging. Be prepared to spend quite a while doing this if you havd not done this before. I have had to hold the can upside down more than once while filling the system. There will be some comments about that procedure, but I have done quite a few that way, from Aerostars to Peterbilts. Worked for me. Just be sure you are on the low pressure (suction) side.