Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

AC wont cool

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 13, 2008 | 08:38 AM
  #1  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
AC wont cool

OKay i dont know if its my browser (firefox) but the search feature right now is not working. My 92 2.3 ranger wasnt cooling and i found a leak in the high pressure hose. I replaced it vacuumed out system and recharged with 134. It cooled for about a week and a half. THis morning i heard it kicking on and off on and off, almost like it doesnt have enough freon. I will check the pressure tonight but was curious where some other leaks might be hiding?

After i replaced high pressure hose it held a vacuum for like 20 mins and i assumed there were no leaks.

Just looking for ideas as I noticed it wasnt cooling on the way in to work.
77F 70%humidity here.
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 01:35 PM
  #2  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
Today i pulled a vacuum and heard a gurgling sound in the condenser housing, how hard is that to replace? Any steps or guides or pointers if i do end up replacing it?
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 01:42 PM
  #3  
Joe_T's Avatar
Joe_T
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: New London,Conn.
If you don't see any obvious leaks, or oily spots on any of the components,there is a dye that can be introduced into the system when recharging.Then, if it goes warm again,you use a "black light" to look for leaks and they should show up that way.
Good luck!!!
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 01:51 PM
  #4  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
I have purchases a UV dye and light and was thinking of doing this but if the leak is in the condenser will i need to take off the shroud to see the UV dye?
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 02:01 PM
  #5  
Joe_T's Avatar
Joe_T
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: New London,Conn.
Possibly, if its leaking there.You may be able to see it thru the grille, or from underneath.
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 02:49 PM
  #6  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
So before i start replacing you still advise to recharge with dye and pinpoint the leak 1st?
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2008 | 02:53 PM
  #7  
Joe_T's Avatar
Joe_T
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: New London,Conn.
Absolutely,you may save yourself some money in the long run.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 08:28 AM
  #8  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
Last night i noticed the condenser on the passenger side front was all matted with oil. THere was also some fresh looking oil there. IM guessing ill have to replace that.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old May 14, 2008 | 09:36 AM
  #9  
Bear River's Avatar
Bear River
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
You will also need to replace the accumulator. It contains a drier that protects the AC system. Once the system has been opened up, the drier is likely contaminated with moisture. The humidity in your area is a bit high, which would mean that as long as your system was low on coolant, it was exposed to moisture. Once the desiccant inside the accumulator becomes saturated, it can no longer protect the cooling system and the compressor will be damaged. While you are at it, get a new orifice tube. You can borrow the special tool to remove it from your local parts store.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 10:23 AM
  #10  
Joe_T's Avatar
Joe_T
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: New London,Conn.
Sure sounds like you need a condenser.Also replace the accumulator/drier like Bear said.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 01:41 PM
  #11  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
OKay i have ordered a condenser and its on the way. I also purchased a dryer and orfice tube.

I bought some flush / cleaning stuff at auto zone and was curious how to flush compressor and evaporator. Does it matter which hose you flush from? The compressor has 2 hoses coming from it a high side and low side im guessing. Which port should i pump the cleaner / air into or can it go either way? Also for the evaporator there is a hose at top and bottom which way should i flush that? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chaz
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 02:50 PM
  #12  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
Picture of condenser

[IMG][/IMG]
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 03:53 PM
  #13  
Joe_T's Avatar
Joe_T
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: New London,Conn.
Sure looks like the culprit.
You cant go wrong with Rock Auto.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 04:29 PM
  #14  
Aggie05's Avatar
Aggie05
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: new braunfels ,tx
Originally Posted by Aggie05
OKay i have ordered a condenser and its on the way. I also purchased a dryer and orfice tube.

I bought some flush / cleaning stuff at auto zone and was curious how to flush compressor and evaporator. Does it matter which hose you flush from? The compressor has 2 hoses coming from it a high side and low side im guessing. Which port should i pump the cleaner / air into or can it go either way? Also for the evaporator there is a hose at top and bottom which way should i flush that? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chaz
Still would like some input on how to flush system thanks.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2008 | 06:56 PM
  #15  
lsrx101's Avatar
lsrx101
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 5
From: Lorain County, Ohio
Club FTE Gold Member
To flush the system, you need LOTS of compressed air. You flush each component individually and blow it completely dry inside. Any residual flush solvent WILL damage the compressor. You may have to get creative to flush the evaporator. Replace all of the o-rings on the hose connections and the 2 seals at the compressor manifold. (don't forget the one on the cycling switch fitting).Don't flush through the accumulator, old or new.
You don't flush the compressor with solvent. You add the type of oil that you will be using, turn the compressor a few times, drain, repeat, repeat, and repeat. Drain as much oil as possible out the last time by holding the ports downward and turning the shaft.
As you reassemble the system, spread the recommended amount of oil between the condenser, evaporator and accumulator.

Being a 92, you will be converting to R134a. Stay away from the cheap aluminum Interdynamics conversion fittings, they are terrible for not sealing. Spring for brass fittings from NAPA.
If you've already ordered the o-tube the original type will be ok, but if you still have a choice get a blue one. They work a bit better with R134a.
Once charged to the proper weight, turn the screw between the terminals of the cycling switch counterclockwise 1.25-1.5 turns to drop the evaporator pressure to 26-28psi.
If you find that the cooling wheezes out at idle or low speeds, replace the fan clutch with a new Motorcraft unit. Don't bother with an aftermarket clutch, they just don't move enough air to do the AC much good.

Hope this helps.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:53 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE