i've just completed a long overdue coolant system flush/thermostat changeout. took out the old themostat, removed main hoses, cleaned up fittings and hose openings, put it all back together, even changed out the original hose clamps and did a system flush with the prestone flush fitting. then installed new ford thermostat and closed it all up. not enough time yet to know if i've killed my leaks. so, on to my A/C, which hasn't been put to the test in summer situations in quite a while. in the winter i have often used the defroster and combo settings for relatively short periods of time. ran the car around with the A/C set to max for about 30 minutes; my temp guage usually runs at six bars, at the very end of my test drive, it went to seven (within the normal range on the electronic guage) at a stoplight , and i cut it off. even had some cooling with what i figure to be the original charge. but my questions are these: 1) what would be normal expectation for increase in temp, shouldn't the thermostat handle that? 2) is there a pressure increase on the cooling system when running A/C? 3) from the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" department, what would be some generally good maintenance procedures before easing into more rigorous use of the A/C system? i've started to search for some cans of free zone, so far no luck at auto zone or pep boys here in illinois. if i do locate it, how many cans should i purchase to do a fill after a system evacuation? many thanks in advance to all the great folks here at FTE.

 

What year? Where are you? Temps? On my 96 I can't ever tell when the ac is on by the temp gauge. We may not get hot enough up here....90 deg max. in VT

Dick

 

'93 awd 4.0L AWD...Chicago, Illinois!

 

You may need a new radiator!! and or water pump if it over heats. If it doesn't overheat you are prob ok. My 94 gets a little warm.


Dick

 

air flow bug and dirt plugged thru fins? blow out with hose water nozzle from back side

fan clutch? usually degrade slowly so one does not notice until overheating problem....spin, should be some resistance, not freewheel

over 80d day my temp gauge goes up 3>4 needle widths with a/c on...

system usually runs at near max cap pressure release point for maximum cooling efficiency

newer aeros with serpentine belt are notorius for slipping on water pump/fan pulley....driven with smooth backside of belt...few drops of oil from dipsticks or coolant overflow and slippage....check tension and try belt dressing non slip