Tackling my own AC

jambroson · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2004, 05:51 PM

Help on this would be appreciated.

I am in the process of restoring a Ford 1968 F250. The truck came with aftermarket AC made by Climatair in Texas. I kept the existing Condensor and Evaporator. I purchased a rebuilt compressor and a new clutch, expansion valve and drier. I went and had all the hoses remade to get away from the older hose clamp designs. Some of the hoses are compression and some are O ring designed.

Here are my questions:

1. The directions on the compressor claim that there is plenty of oil in hte compressor for the whole system. Does this sound correct?

2. I went to a local service center and they wanted $100 to evacuate the system and charge it.

I want to do this myself. I can go down to Harbor Freight and purchase the following products:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1504

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3952

Do these look suitable?

Will this manifold hook right up to my compressor?

What pressure should I have on the High and Low sides?

Is there somewhere I can get more detailed instructions?

I have plenty of R12 available, so that is not a problem.

Any help is appreciated.

Josh

94van · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2004, 07:27 AM

Go to http://www.ackits.com for lots of info.

Gauges are OK, but the vacuum pump thingme is not good unless you have a humungous air compressor. A conventional vacuum pump is much better.

jambroson · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2004, 11:27 AM

Will a 5.5 HP Compressor be enough?

Ecuri · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2004, 08:34 PM

I am doubtful also... I use a standard vacuum pump and leave it running for an hour or so to boil out any moisture. You can a) rent one b) make one out of any old refrigerator or A/C compressor laying around and c) borrow (my favorite).

The oil in the compressor sounds weird to me. I was taught to split the oil charge up on a rebuild 1/3 in the evap, 1/3 in the condensor, and 1/3 in the compressor. At the very least I would pour it out and measure it and pour it back in. And do they identify what kind of oil it came with?

Autozone has a pretty decent book for about $12-15 on generic A/C service that has temp/pressure tables and a lot of good info. GL