Ford E350 AC questions
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Ford E350 AC questions
Hello, I have a small transportation business and have 3 e350 vans, '99,'07 and '08. They all have rear ac/heat and all three of them with the ac's being checked out cool very average at best. questions
Is this normal for these vans for the ac's to not really cool that well?
Has anyone ever thought of putting an electric fan on the condensor on a switch to help cooling in traffic? I know they have a clutch fan on the motor I assume and my mechanic says these vans just cool better at speed.
Also, i know adding a fan might mean alternator needs help.
Do you think redoing and replacing the entire ac system would make a world of difference ?
I'm looking to have these vans be more comfortable, most of my passengers are in wheelchairs and all the vans have fiberglass hightop roof conversions so adding a roof ac is not an option due to the weight.
I just want to know if these vans cool better when new or is this just a faulty design.
Thanks Mario
Is this normal for these vans for the ac's to not really cool that well?
Has anyone ever thought of putting an electric fan on the condensor on a switch to help cooling in traffic? I know they have a clutch fan on the motor I assume and my mechanic says these vans just cool better at speed.
Also, i know adding a fan might mean alternator needs help.
Do you think redoing and replacing the entire ac system would make a world of difference ?
I'm looking to have these vans be more comfortable, most of my passengers are in wheelchairs and all the vans have fiberglass hightop roof conversions so adding a roof ac is not an option due to the weight.
I just want to know if these vans cool better when new or is this just a faulty design.
Thanks Mario
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Any vehicle will cool better when at highway speeds due the higher flow rates of the refrigerant and air across the condenser coil. Add in higher mileage can mean the compressor, orifice tube or accumulator/dryer need servicing and you might have your situation. Simply topping off the refrigerant level isn't the same as a complete service which often means some parts will need to be replaced.
The heat load on a van with windows all around further taxes the A/C system, the huge space and relative lack of insulation certainly doesn't help. Do keep in mind your entire van is being cooled by the same compressor that's quite effective in a front area only function. I can get about 40* leaving air temps from my system but have a curtain dividing the front from the cargo area--it gets cold in there some days!
Not sure if a pressure test of your system while its running would give an accurate indication of your compressor's condition though---others here will give you better advice on that.
Best of luck---A/C will be needed now that Spring/Summer are upon us!
The heat load on a van with windows all around further taxes the A/C system, the huge space and relative lack of insulation certainly doesn't help. Do keep in mind your entire van is being cooled by the same compressor that's quite effective in a front area only function. I can get about 40* leaving air temps from my system but have a curtain dividing the front from the cargo area--it gets cold in there some days!
Not sure if a pressure test of your system while its running would give an accurate indication of your compressor's condition though---others here will give you better advice on that.
Best of luck---A/C will be needed now that Spring/Summer are upon us!
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ac
Thanks for the reply and information, I'm going to take your advice and have it leak checked and go from there. We do have the windows tinted as dark as you can legally and will need all the help we can get.
Thanks Mario
Thanks Mario
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Southern California
Increasing the insulation in the vehicles will help as well.....this is an excellent product as an FYI....and can be a DIY
LizardSkin® Spray-On Insulation | Lizardskin
LizardSkin® Spray-On Insulation | Lizardskin
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