Hello all,

First post here as a relatively new owner of a 96 E-350 7.3 with a Quigley 4WD conversion. I've read a lot on this site already and figured it was time to register. We bought a 130k miles, great condition E350 used for a fair price, have put a poptop in and some windows and are on our way to making it something of a Sportsmobile knockoff, though very much our own way - lighter weight, higher water/fuel capacity, better insulation and sound proofing, less heavy luxury features and more lightweight functional things.

We've already fixed myriad little things, but I thought I might float a question on A/C, with apologies in advance if there is a good primer or something out there that I've not found. It seems that a lot of people have had vacuum problems and heater core check valve problems that I've read about, but van layouts and systems also appear to vary and be hard to nail down. We haven't started digging too much, but we don't seem to have any of the vacuum problems I've read about, our a/c settings stay where they are regardless of what we are doing. As well our a/c performance seems to stay about where it is, without varying much.

The problem is, the a/c performance is terrible. The air coming out on normal a/c or max a/c is cooler than outside air, but not by much. My intuition says that it needs a recharge or the condenser checked. But do these vans tend to need a recharge or similar, or is there another common place I should look first? Is it possible the heater core is reheating the cooled refrigerant and is there a handy way to diagnose that?

Again, apologies if I missed an obvious answer online somewhere. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and prefer to learn and fix for myself, but I'm no mechanic. Any thoughts or comments are much appreciated.

Cheers,

Josh

 

Your issue sounds more like worn out components barely able to function any longer. Add in a possible refrigerant leak or simply low on charge and your symptoms would be expected.

It doesn't seem there are any vacuum issues relating to the air flow selectivity so for now put that concern aside.

Until you know for certain what state of condition the existing system is in its slightly premature trying to fix anything else first. Keep in mind if everything is OEM that's just slightly shy of 20 years old parts. If they're functioning at all I'd be shocked.

Find a trusted and reputable A/C specialty shop locally and get their best advice. Be prepared to buy a new compressor with clutch, receiver/drier, orifice tube, serpentine belt tensioner, line set AND new Schrader valves and the plastic service port protective caps. Add in the necessary labor and you're probably into this repair for about $800 or more on a good day.

HTH

 

Thanks for the thoughts, I do appreciate them. Currently watching some youtube videos and doing some more reading to get a bit more familiarity.

I see that with the condensers mounted front and center they eat rocks and bugs which is no fun, mine is a mess, though I'm not sure how much of a mess it needs to be to be problematic. More reading to do.

Cheers,
Josh

 

Re: Condenser

It can be cleaned safely if its done gently, with no more water pressure than a garden hose. Along with a good detergent like Dawn or dedicated HVAC coil cleaning solution most problematic debris and accumulated grime can be washed away, giving you slightly better efficiency.