Hi all, I have a 2004 Explorer 4.0L v6 that I recently charged the AC in. The engine was rebuilt not to long ago so the AC was completely recovered (bought it from a friend), so I know I started fresh. I am not by any means a novice mechanic but, just dabbling into the AC world and have watched a ton of how to videos, and what not.

I went out and bought a set of manifold gauges as well as a vacuum pump. I do have the rear air on this one so it takes (correct me if im wrong) 56oz of refrigerant. I pulled a vacuum of 28 (mercury?) and it held it for a good hour so, I am pretty sure no leaks. I went ahead and charged the system... Compressor kicked on like normal, air got cold, and everything seemed to be going just like it should be. I went by just a random r134a ambient pressure chart NOT from ford.

I thought great this is going to be like new! Well, now the problem i'm having is in the mornings at say 65-85 degrees it blows ice cold. Once the sun gets higher in the sky, and it gets up to 95-100, it doesn't seem to be able to keep up, even driving for miles and miles. I noticed the rear air evaporater low side, doesn't seem to feel very cold either. Does this mean I might be over charged/under charged?

I have a video of the pressures at 2000 RPM, AC set to "max", both front and rear fans set to highest setting, windows down. At 31 seconds, the pressure drop is because I let off the throttle and let it idle for a bit, so you can see those pressures. Thank you for any and all help, I've searched, and searched about this. I cannot seem to find a straight answer to my question.

 

Was the correct amount of oil and type of oil install?

 

First of all, thank you for the reply I appreciate it. I used PAG 100, Thats what the auto parts store told me to use. I know I know probably a mistake Now that i've done some research it calls for PAG 46? Im not sure I put exactly 13 oz in but probably close (hoping i got that right....)

The compressor doesn't seem to make any noise (yet). Although I was sittting idling in the sun. It was 95+ outside and the RPMS did quick drops every now and then with the ac running.

When the system is recovered, does it take the oil out as well? Im beginning to wonder if maybe it wasnt PROPERLY recovered and it might of been done the illegal way.... I need to find out exactly.

 

I would flush out complete system, vacuum use proper PAG 46 oil and recharge.