Okay. I've worked on cars (hobby-wise) since I was 14, and I'm 56 now. But I do *not* understand the front/rear A/C system in my Expedition.

This vehicle spent its first 125kmi as a Northern VA Fire Marshall's work vehicle (you can still see the outline of all of the decals), but I bought it at 168kmi from the second owner (first private owner). It was cheap ($1000) because it wouldn't pass emissions inspection (one bad ignitor - easy fix!!) and because (I was told) the rear A/C was disconnected by the Fire Department due to having "equipment in the rear". Mind you, if it were *me* putting equipment in the rear, I would want A/C back there to keep it cool - but what do I know - so to me, this explanation is a bit suspect. I bought this vehicle because I needed a tow vehicle. So for $1000 plus another $300 or so in fluids, serpentine, plugs and brake pads, I had what I considered to be a capable truck. After a couple of weeks' shakedown, I drove straight through to San Antonio (1400mi) with an empty trailer, loaded on my project car (1962 Lincoln Continental convertible) and hauled it all the way back to VA, another 1400mi. I weighed in at a truck stop, and my entire rig (Expedition included) was 14,210lbs. Did the whole trip with not one single hiccup. I LOVE MY EXPEDITION - now appropriately dubbed "The Red Baron" by my 91 year old mom!!

Nevertheless, the supply & return hoses for the rear A/C system were quite clearly cut. HOWEVER, the front A/C system, while not exactly healthy, was at least putting out *some* cold air, and more significantly APPEARED TO BE FULLY CHARGED.

Can someone please explain this to me? There's only *one* compressor, right? The supply & return tubing for the front & rear systems appears to join (flanges with retainer nuts), without obvious isolation valves....

How can the front system be intact & charged but the rear system *completely* vented to atmosphere? Can someone please explain??

Thanks,

Brad

 

Someone plugged the hosed, possibly by filling them with silicone.