Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Looking for help on AC system

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 09:40 AM
  #16  
norfolknova's Avatar
norfolknova
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
All i use at work is PTR charts, and yes if you have the manufacturers weight of refrigerant required that is the best. The chart you listed is not even close. If you have a R134a system pushing 300 psi, you compressor will not last week. 300+ psi is even too high for R22 and I don't even like to get R404a.

For using a PTR chart for the high side take ambient temp and add 25-30 degrees, convert that temp to a pressure and that is where your high side pressure should be.

On the low side your vent outlet temp should be about 20 degress above your suction pressure converted to a temp on a PTR chart. For air conditioning you do not want you suction prressure PTR conversion to be below freezing as this can allow ice build up on your evaporator, and air conditioning systems do not usually have a defrost system.

Now I have never serviced a system in the 110 degree arizona heat but I have done plenty of systems in 110 degree Kitchens and navy galleys.

matt
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:14 AM
  #17  
f100beatertruck's Avatar
f100beatertruck
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
Club FTE Silver Member

I work with 410 and home air conditioners... Although I have both epa cards. All the PTR charts I've seen have listed those numbers.

I did find on Vintage air's site a rule of thumb for the high side - 2x ambient + 15-20%.

So, for 80° ambient that would be 160+15-20% or about 184-192psi. The chart I posted says 175-210psi. At 100° it would be 230-240psi whereas the chart I posted shows over 300... The high pressure cutout's that I've seen are in the 400-450psi range, so who knows... The fan switches come on around 220psi.

I wonder if that chart is in some way trying to account for underhood temps for people who are measuring ambient via local thermometer vs an actual thermometer at the condenser.

In any case you need about 24-25psi low side for the compressor to work.

The outlet of the evaporator should be 34-46°F.

I've also learned that overcharging can cause a noisy compressor....
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 04:26 PM
  #18  
Infinite Monkeys's Avatar
Infinite Monkeys
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 3
Well I pulled the orifice tube and it was completely covered in black goop. I came across that this is a sign of a failed compressor. This would explain the remanufactured one that's in there now.

I think I want to clean the entire system as well as possible and replace the expansion valve also.

Now, what is the best way to clean the system, short of removing the evaporator and where is the expansion valve. How do you use AC flush? Should I get it flushed out in a shop for best results, or the 'flush in a can" works OK.

I also found out on www.alldatadiy.com that the refrigerant capacity for this truck is 44. I'm assuming that's 44 oz.


Thanks again.
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 09:14 PM
  #19  
norfolknova's Avatar
norfolknova
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
The orifice tube is the expansion device, It does not have an expansion valve just the orifice tube.

A couple of cans of the flush from the auto store has always done well for me in the past.

While you are in there again since things were covered in black "goop" It would also be a wise idea to replace the filter drier/ accumulator.

Matt
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 09:41 PM
  #20  
Infinite Monkeys's Avatar
Infinite Monkeys
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by norfolknova
The orifice tube is the expansion device, It does not have an expansion valve just the orifice tube.

A couple of cans of the flush from the auto store has always done well for me in the past.

While you are in there again since things were covered in black "goop" It would also be a wise idea to replace the filter drier/ accumulator.

Matt

I just put in a new drier before charging it for the first time. Is there a way to clean it out, or should I get a new one. I guess what ever gunk was in the system is now in the drier.

Thanks for your help.
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 09:55 PM
  #21  
norfolknova's Avatar
norfolknova
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
Man that is a hard one to call. Safe money says replace it again after you do the flush, but then you have never really had the system running. I would say pull out and run a swap on the inlet tubing(coming from the evap to drier) and if it is clean reuse it, if you find the black junk then replace it again

Matt
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 09:59 PM
  #22  
Infinite Monkeys's Avatar
Infinite Monkeys
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 3
What if I disconnect it and clean it so no other goop from the rest of the system gets into it.

Is this possible.

Guess I'd back flush it. Is brake cleaner OK for this?

Thanks for sticking with me through this.
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:05 PM
  #23  
norfolknova's Avatar
norfolknova
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
As far as flushing the system I would stick with using the flush designed for this purpose. I do not know how brake clean residue would react with refrigerant. Pull the dehydrator out of the system before you run the flush through it.

Matt
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:25 PM
  #24  
F150xlt's Avatar
F150xlt
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 8
From: Baltimore
When the FS10 compressor fails it causes what is know as Black Death.
Click on the link below

Polar Bear, Inc.
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:26 PM
  #25  
Infinite Monkeys's Avatar
Infinite Monkeys
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 3
thanks for your help
 
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2013 | 10:27 PM
  #26  
Infinite Monkeys's Avatar
Infinite Monkeys
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by norfolknova
As far as flushing the system I would stick with using the flush designed for this purpose. I do not know how brake clean residue would react with refrigerant. Pull the dehydrator out of the system before you run the flush through it.

Matt

OK,
will do.
I appreciate your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish I could buy you a cold one.

Thanks <!-- / message -->
<!-- controls -->
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
eryk4381
2004 - 2008 F150
17
Aug 3, 2019 06:35 PM
PurpleFuzzies
1997 - 2003 F150
6
Aug 21, 2018 09:18 PM
proyer
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Jun 10, 2015 01:50 PM
brobrad
1997 - 2003 F150
6
Sep 20, 2014 09:41 PM
panteramatt
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
12
Jun 29, 2007 01:53 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:22 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE