AC does not quiet seem to be as cold as it should so I looked up under the hood in the passenger front side at the what I think is the HIGH SIDE tubing and it looks oily and maybe greenish on the tube and a round cylinder looking thing. Truck still gets cold....just not like it used to. Oily is only at the area described. Is this something I can fix or should I take it to a tech? If it's just a leak can't they fix easily?

 

Since we cannot see your possible leaks for ourselves answering this is a big strong "could be.........". If you're unsure take it to a qualified A/C technician, possibly a shop that specializes in bus & limo A/C servicing.

At 455K miles if this truck has never been service or check its completely possible something is leaking or other parts just worn out.

Good luck .

 

I may end up taking it in to a shop. I just don't want to pay for more than I need. Again, it is cooling....just not like it use to. There is a oily green leak up on top on the high pressure tube. Everything else looks dry.

 

Without offense if you/me want good reliable quality service that comes with some sort of warranty we have to be prepared to pay the going rate. I get that paying more than necessary is bummer but what's the alternative? Finding a back alley "mechanic" is one way that's known to create as many problems as it tries to fix if price is the only deciding factor.

You can leave things well enough alone for now and hope or guess there's nothing to be concerned about or take matters in your own hands and find the competent A/C service technician who'll address your problems (if any exist) or answer any questions you might have.

Not sure what else to say----good luck with this?!?!

 

If you have a green oily deposit at or near a refrigerant line or compressor connection, you have a leak. Hit the green oily stuff with a UV light to verify it's the dye that was installed at the factory.

If it's a leak, then the system needs to be evacuated, the leak repaired, and the system properly serviced to restore it to operation.

 

^^^ It certainly won't get better with passing time nor will it heal itself!

 

So, just in the last week the truck is not getting as cold as it was. I think the refrig is leaking out at a greater rate.
question....if all the refrig leaks out does ALL the oil leak out as well? Just courous.

 

First question is how hot is it there? A leak in any system will continue until its repaired or in this case the refrigerant is completely gone. When an automotive A/C system is evacuated and re-charged properly the necessary amount of oil should be added IF you're able to determine how much did not leak out.

What's your hesitation to taking this vehicle into a shop that can properly repair your A/C?

 

Are you a A/C repair tech?
A forum like this one is ALL about DIY so if you don't want to give advice please don't waste people's time. I'm repairing this myself whether you like it or not.

 

What JWA said it true.
going to work at 4am the temp is 77°f and the ac will freeze you out. Going home at 4pm it is 95°+f and the ac makes it comfortable but not freeze you out so temperature has everything to do with it.

You got ac gauges and a vacuum pump?
You should have a reclaiming system as it is not legal to let the charge into the air.
It is not as easy as getting a can with hose on it from the parts store and just adding it to your system.
That is why you have to reclaim what your system has and measure it.
Fix the leak,, most likely change the dryer and orifice valve and add your reclaim & more to equal the proper charge amount. To much or to little and it will not cool right.
Watch some YouTube vids on this to get a clue what it takes to get it right.
Dave ----

 

^^^^ Thank you Dave!

Yes I'm all about DIY but there are some jobs better left to professionals. Either the tools needed or knowledge/skill required aren't available in every DIY'er and asking here typically cannot cover the depth some of these repairs require.

Then again some don't care to violate the law or possibly injure themselves in the process---can't help with that here.

 

I have a mechanic friend that has evacuated a few systems for me. This might be an option for you to diy.
One had a evaporator case full of sycamore? tree crap. It was clogging the drain tube and when I would corner hard water would splash on the blower. He evacuated the system. In the parking lot of the shop I removed and cleaned the evaporator and case. Reinstalled it and my buddy used a vacuum to dry the system. Added oil and recharged the system using the r12 that came from my truck.

The other time the Schrader valve on either the high or low port was leaking. Can’t remember now which one. This time my buddy evacuated the system. I replaced the valve. And I bought gauges and recharged the system. He walked me through how to get the compressor to engage to allow the system to recharge. I don’t know if I would have tried this without the directions he gave me. But there are so many videos that cover this now.

I think diy is always an option. Many people have more spare time than money. Or maybe the vehicle isn’t worth a huge repair bill but some wrench equity is easier to handle. Me I have an extra vehicle and with that comes the expense of insurance and maintenance. So I try to do all I can to keep costs down.

 

I've saved 10's of thousands of $$$ DIY over my lifetime with EXCELLENT results. How do you think I have gotten 455,000 miles up to now?
I NOW after careful research am sure I can complete this job just like all the rest with great results. I almost have everything I need to complete the job. Still waiting on a couple of items and maybe I'm waiting for the weather to cool a little.
I will post an update when finished so others know what I did.
Again this is in my MIND a DIY forum just like all the others otherwise I would just go to YOUTUBE which has absolutely ALL the info one would need.
Oh yea, awhile back my HOUSE a/c motor failed and I knew nothing about it. Got a quote from a professional of over $1000 - ignored it and bought my own motor, start/run capacitors etc. Replaced all those components....today starts runs perfect.
I also bought a EXTRA motor and capacitors for when it happens again....saving lots of $$$$$.
Pisses the pros off.

 

I wonder if your boss or whoever you work for doesn't have that same mindset? They could DIY and save themselves a lot of money. Your DIY doesn't **** anyone off because professionals who are still in business are probably swamped with work now, one cheap guy with a minor issue isn't going to affect them one bit.

Whether or not you realize or agree this entire forum is a fabulous forum for many, many cost savings tips and advice. There does come a time when our time, effort, tools or expertise are overrun by the issue at hand we're all forced to deal with those in better positions to fix it.

Good luck on this and please by all means post the expense you went to in the process.

 

I am a cheap guy. Make that 2 cheap guys.
I try to keep my personal opinions off of the forum. I generally only comment if I have something to offer. Something to help. It’s not up to me if someone is qualified. My guess is there are only a handful of certified technicians offering their assistance here.
If I don’t have personal first hand experience with the subject task using my hands I don’t comment.
97 ford doesn’t plan to harm the environment. I believe he is trying to fix his truck as efficiently as possible.
Project sho has some great help in his signature. Thanks for contributing.