Air conditioning help!
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 52
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From: New Orleans Louisiana
Air conditioning help!
I recently attempted to repair the a/c in my 1983 F-100, but it still won't blow cold unless I'M driving over 20 mph, or its dark and cool outside! I have replaced the compressor, drier, evaporater, condenser, blower and 2 lines. What am I doing wrong? I put freeze 12 refrigerent in but it won't get cold. Any suggestions would be appreciated. By the way I have 2 electric fans on it, one pulling through the radiator, and one pushing through the condenser. The condenser fan is tied into the pressure switch for the compressor, via relay, and runs only when th a/c is running. Thank you in advance!
Last edited by ilgette; Jul 31, 2005 at 11:35 AM. Reason: typos
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Edwards Air Force Base
The oriface is a key to these. When I converted my rig from R-12 to the new R-134 it didn't blow near as cold as it used to. The old design compressors just don't do as well with the new coolant. I have heard from numerous sources that the oriface is the key and I am going to swap mine out when In get done with all the other stuff I am doing to it right now.
Also, when you charged it, did you make sure you COMPLETELY purged it? A simple drain doesn't do as well as a true vacuum purge. I bought a cheap vacuum attachment for my compressor from Harbor Freight for under $10 bucks and I noticed that it blew colder after I completely sucked the system out to negative pressure then refilled it than when I simply drained it and filled it.
Just a couple ideas I can think of off the top of my head as it appears you have done everything else.
Good Luck,
Lee
Also, when you charged it, did you make sure you COMPLETELY purged it? A simple drain doesn't do as well as a true vacuum purge. I bought a cheap vacuum attachment for my compressor from Harbor Freight for under $10 bucks and I noticed that it blew colder after I completely sucked the system out to negative pressure then refilled it than when I simply drained it and filled it.
Just a couple ideas I can think of off the top of my head as it appears you have done everything else.
Good Luck,
Lee
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: New Orleans Louisiana
its me again....
When I'm driving down the road with the a/c (the one that isn't very cold) I notice water drops flying out the vent by the passenger side, and water dripping on to the floor. What do you think this could be? I love my truck, but im about to shoot the old girl since she seems hell bent on not having a/c!
Last edited by ilgette; Jul 31, 2005 at 09:11 PM. Reason: typo
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Junior User
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From: New Orleans Louisiana
I don't rember off hand, on the old compressor, the high side would fluctuate rapidly, so I returned it and got another one, now its pretty steady. What should the read?(ball park figure?).
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Joined: Dec 2003
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the first thing to start with is make sure you are free of leaks, then get a vacuum pump and leave it on about 10 min. so you are free of moisture and non condensables, then recharge it with the specified weight of refrigerent(you may want to start with about 10 percent less if using an alternative refrigerent), then check both your low and high side pressures.
I work in the commercial refrigeration trade, and have found that alternative refrigerents to those that are phased out do not work that great with a fixed orafice, or capillary tube for a metering device. You may be better off to change to 134a and install the restrictor orafice for the new flavor.
Bill
I work in the commercial refrigeration trade, and have found that alternative refrigerents to those that are phased out do not work that great with a fixed orafice, or capillary tube for a metering device. You may be better off to change to 134a and install the restrictor orafice for the new flavor.
Bill
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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
After re-reading your original post, have you checked your fan clutch and/or electric fan? It sounds as though you aren't getting any airflow over the condensor unless you are moving. Your pressures (depending on ambient temps.) should have the high side at less than 275 or so, and on the low side, a pressure of 30.2 will give you an evaporator temperature of about 35f with Freeze12. These pressures aren't set in stone, and may need some tweaking to make the system rum at it's best.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: New Orleans Louisiana
fans...
I checked both fans, they are working as they should, with both on,they will hold a shop towel or rag against the grille when switched on. The only hoses I did not change were the ones going from the condenser to the drier, and the drier to the compresser. I out in a new orifice tube, and ran a vacuum pump on it for an hour before charging it up. Could those hoses be the source of my problems? The pressure readings sound about what it said when hooked up to the gauges. One other question where is the dripping water, and condensation coming out of the vents coming from? a clogged drip hole or something of that variety?
