98 F150 A/C problems, advice needed
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Houston TX USA
98 F150 A/C problems, advice needed
My 98 F150 does not blow cold, and being in Texas that really sucks. I have completely drained the system and refilled it. Only thing is that on the low side the PSI is really high on on the hight side it is really low. I changed my orifice tube, that looked pretty good. I took it into my local service shop today, they came back to me and said that the a/c clutch does not click on so they did some diagnostics on that, wiring etc... and just now they called back and said that there is a major leak coming from the evaporator inside the engine compartment and also its really bad in the cab. total cost to fix it would be $1,800. Anyone have any ideas on what I can do to get this to at least blow cold for a little while, and still have a little leak. Don't know if i change the evaporator if it would really slow the leak down, seems like the leaks are in the tubes. Staring to seem like a lot of work, wanting to fix it enough to sell it and get a new one now.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
After draining the system, did you pull a vacuum for 1/2 hour then put in the correct amount of R134A? On the leaky evap, I do have a fix-it idea but I cringe at the thought. Use a can of R1334A with the leak stop. I really, really, really, really really hate this stuff as, IMO and others, there is potential for clogging. However some say it works just fime for minor leaks. I guess it's all a gamble. Note that the stuff is only supposed to work for minor leaks. BTW, I'd ask them how they came to the conclusion that the evap is leaking.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 495
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Did you by chance at anytime get the high side pressure up over 350 psi? Reason I ask is that some evaporators will pop a leak if they get up over 350. I had to replace the evaporator on an 86 Grand Marquis twice, and it is about a four hour job, because of high side pressure popping a leak. Also, as Bill posted did you pull a vacuum on the system after you completely drained the freon? Air in the system will cause all kinds of problems as well as strange pressure readings. Along with what what Bill said about R-134 with stop leak, there is a leak repair kit that you use without R-134 to fix an evapoartor leak and then vacuum and recharge. It uses an epoxy repair sealant to plug the leak permanently. If you go to one of the auto AC repair sites you can find out about it. Not cheap but apparently works and has been used by a number of folks.
John
John
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From: Houston TX USA
its actually blowing cold pretty good now, so i was thinking about replacing it all, but i think i will try the stop leak first. i work for a company that sells things like leak detection kits for machinery so i will borrow one and see if it works. thanks for the help yall
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