AC no work
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,808
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
AC no work
How do you diagnose what is wrong with your AC? I bought my truck a while ago and the AC dont work. Right now I took the belt off the pump. Where do I begin to figure out whats wrong with it?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Does the compressor engage? If so, does it cycle on and off ? If it doesn't engage, can you turn the compressor hub easily by hand (not the pulley).
The most common cause of a non functioning AC is a low refrigerant charge. You will need to at least repair the leak, evacuate and recharge the system.
If the vehicle is the 85, it is due for a thorough service. It likely has multiple leaks and need to be flushed and the accumulator replaced. On a 23 year old vehicle, the hoses and compressor seals are highly suspect.
Put the belt back on. Removing it serves no useful purpose as the compressor is just an idler when the clutch is not engaged.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Automotive AC systems are very "simple" in concept, but you have to know how they work and what to look for before you can fix them. That's where the forum can help. To do it properly, you'll need about $300-600 in specific tools for a DIY repair. You can rent most of them, but you HAVE to have them available before you even start. Here's the short list:
-Manifold gauge set
-Vacuum pump
-Flush Gun
- Ford Spring Lock Coupler Tools
Your truck was originally R-12. R-12 is relatively inexpensive today in bulk. You may want to consider staying with it as long as you do the repair 100%. R-134A is an option, but you need different oil, the cycling switch needs to be adjusted, and you'll need to replace your fan clutch with a new OEM clutch and possibly add an auxillary electric condenser fan. 80-86 trucks convert to R134 "ok", but not great due to the condenser size. They tend to wheeze out at low speeds and at idle.
Hope this helps.
