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A/C Question low high side

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Old Jun 25, 2015 | 11:31 AM
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A/C Question low high side

2003 F250 KR 6.0, 200,000miles. AC started cycling last year no real pattern would just start blowing warm, may start up again may not. Gauges at 80 ambient temp, low side 25, high side 148 (which is way low). Evacuated system changed orifice tube, about one third blocked few shavings nothing really bad. Recharged, 2 lbs 10oz, made adjustments for hose loss. Cooling temp inside between 44 and 50. Still cycling, pressure switch is kicking system off as required around 25 psi, high side still only 150psi.

Checked air gap in compressor, good. Jumped switch compressor stayed on.

When I pulled vacuum last night let it sit overnight no loss.

Checked temps at accumulator about 47 going in about 59 coming out, it actually froze up yesterday.

I am thinking accumulator is clogged, starving compressor.............
 
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Old Jun 26, 2015 | 06:03 AM
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i am thinking the compressor is dying. the aluminum shavings in the orifice tube and the low high side pressure readings is a very good sign one or more of the pistons in the compressor has failed.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2015 | 06:33 AM
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Thanks I certainly thought that also. I am leaning towards new compressor, accumulator and condenser. Cannot really complain too much 200,000 miles. I need to identify which compressor I have, I understand two different ones were used. Its an early build 03. Is there a simple way to tell, i.e. a visual look, the little bugger is stuffed up there pretty good.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2015 | 06:37 AM
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not sure, never messed with the 03's. newest i have dealt with is 2000
 
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Old Jun 26, 2015 | 08:36 AM
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Go to Official Ford Parts Site | Buy Motorcraft & OEM Ford Parts Online | FordParts.com and look up by your VIN.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 05:45 AM
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The web site only provides partial part "base" numbers by vin, it only provides full part numbers on your final invoice, or tells you to call your local dealer. Thanks anyway.

Its always funny to me the simple things end up being so aggravating.

Its Sunday, anybody else have any suggestions or opinions as to which compressor I have.......
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 08:43 AM
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Yes, it only gives the base Ford number, but it lists the Motorcraft part number which is easy to use.

IIRC, the only difference between an early or late '03 6.0 is the belt, either a 6 or an 8 groove pulley, as far as the AC is concerned. You can always use the 8 groove version of the compressor and just use the back 6 grooves if you have the 6 groove belt. Otherwise, the compressor is an FS10, the same one used on many Fords of that era.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 10:52 AM
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Yes you are correct, figured it out, ordered one. Thanks. Replacing, compressor, accumulator, switch and condenser. Those parts should get it cooling again.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 01:56 PM
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Yeah, just went through that whole exercise a few weeks ago. The desiccant bag ruptured and took out the rest of the system.

Hardest part was getting the manifold back on the compressor without losing the seals or having a leak. I found that pulling the battery and tray gave me more room...
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 04:24 PM
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Did you pull compressor through the bottom?
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 08:03 PM
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Yep. No fun on a gravel driveway, either...
 
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Old Jun 28, 2015 | 10:00 PM
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Well, I own a lift so it wont be as bad and laying on gravel.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2015 | 06:20 AM
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Lucky... Wish I had one of those. I'm getting too old to be working on the ground...
 
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 01:13 PM
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Wow not any fun, the compressor was a beast to change, hats off to you working on the ground. New accumulator, orifice tube, condenser and compressor, still low on the high side pressure----150lbs, ambient temp 69, puzzling. I cannot imagine the evaporator core being clogged, I usually only see them leak. Not real warm this morning, going to think about it.....

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be welcomed......
 
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Old Jul 4, 2015 | 02:34 PM
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what was the output temp at the center vent with the 150 high side at 69 ambient??
 
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